1To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 10 April 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Wm Lee presents his respects to the President of the United States & takes the liberty to send him an Imperial Almanac MHi : Coolidge Collection.
2To James Madison from William Lee, 20 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 December 1803. “P the good Intent for Philadelphia I take the liberty to send you under care of the Collecter three boxes containing fruits in Brandy almonds, & prunes.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.
3To James Madison from William Lee, 1 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you herewith my return of Vessels that have entered and cleared at this office from the 1st. of January to the 30th June. With great respect I have the honor to remain Your obt. St. DNA : RG 59—CD—Consular Despatches, Bordeaux.
4To James Madison from William Lee, 29 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 29 April 1806, Bordeaux. “I have the honor to transmit you enclosed a letter I have just recd. from Mr Skipwith announcing his arrival. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bordeaux, vol. 2). 1 p. Enclosure not found. For Fulwar Skipwith’s arrival at Paris, see John Armstrong to JM , 26 Apr. 1806 .
5To James Madison from William Lee, 1 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you herewith a return of Vessels that have entered and cleared at this Consula te from the 1st. July to 31st. Decr 1806. With great respect I hav e the honor to remain your obdt. Servant DNA : RG 59—CD—Consular Despatches, Bordeaux.
6To James Madison from William Lee, 15 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 28 June requesting a supply of wine cordials &c. reached me but yesterday. I will use all my endeavours to have the articles shipped by the 10th Octr as after that time I think it would be too late. The Brandy I have ordered from Cognac of fifteen years of age. With great respect I am Sir Your obt servt. DLC : Papers of James Madison.
7To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 26 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Wm Lee presents his respects to the President of the United States & begs he will do him the honor to accept of the small work accompanying this.— MHi : Coolidge Collection.
8To James Madison from William Lee, 5 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you enc losed a copy of a letter I have just recd. from Gen l. Armstrong. The individual therein mentioned has not made his appearance in this City. I am Sir with great respect your obedient St. DNA : RG 59—CD—Consular Despatches, Bordeaux.
9To James Madison from William Lee, 31 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have this day had the honor to transmit you a letter from Genl. Armstrong i nclosed to me in one from his Excellency of w hich the annexed is a copy. With great respect I have, Sir the honor to remain Your Obt. St. DNA : RG 59—CD—Consular Despatches, Bordeaux.
10To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 23 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Lee presents his most respectful Compliments to Dr. Fraklin and will have the pleasure of waiting on him tomorrow forenoon to take leave and hopes the Copy of the Treatys will be ready for him. Addressed: Honble / Benjamen Franklin Esqr. Notation: W. Lee 23 March 1778 to BF. He had requested these copies on the 19th. BF , answering on the 24th, pointed...
11To James Madison from William Lee, 12 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
At the earnest request of a distinguished french officer I have the honor to inclose you a letter from General Desfourneaux formerly Governor General of Guadeloupe. I have the honor to be With great respect Your devoted humble Servant. RC ( DLC ). The enclosure may have been one of the copies of Desfourneaux to JM, 1 Dec. 1811 .
12To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 1 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I find an error in the amt. I had the honor to transmit you on the 21 Augt. of 42 francs in your favor having overcharged that much on the charges of recg. paying duties &c. on the two Casks of Cahuzack wine. I will take the liberty of sending the amount in some small article which I think may be acceptable. With great respect I have the honor to remain Your Obt Servt. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
13To James Madison from William Lee, 8 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit w ith the return of entrances & clearances at this port from the 1st July, to the 31st December 1807. With great respect I have the honor to remain Your obt Servt. DNA : RG 59—CD—Consular Despatches, Bordeaux.
14To James Madison from William Lee, 16 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
The importance of the enclosed state paper and its genuiness has induced me to forward you by different conveyances six copies. With great respect I have the honor to remain Your obt. Servant DNA : RG 59—CD—Consular Despatches, Bordeaux.
15To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 23 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The return of Captain Davis from the mouth of the River just gives me time to enclose the President of the United S. a file of the Argus containing the acct of the late decisive battle between the French & Russian armies & the relation of the interview between the Emperor Napoleon & Francis.— With great respect I have the honor to remain the Presidents most humble St. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
16To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 2 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Lee has the Honour of presenting his Compliments to Doctor Franklin and shall be obliged to him for the loan of the two last Boston papers he has, which shall be returned in an hour and also for the last English papers. Mr. Lee would be glad to know if any determination is come to, relative to supplying him with the necessary funds, for his appointment...
17To James Madison from William Lee, 10 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 August 1802, Bordeaux. Reports that since his letters of 22 July and 2 Aug. another seventy-three distressed seamen “have been thrown on my hands.” “I thought proper to state this to you that you might see the necessity of instructing me on this head.” Encloses tariff of new duties. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bordeaux, vol. 1). 2 pp. Enclosure not found. Letter not found. A full transcription...
18To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 5 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
W. Lee has the honor to present his respects to the President of the United States and takes the liberty to send him a specimen of French Typography. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
19To James Madison from William Lee, 4 July 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 July 1803, Bordeaux . Encloses a bill of lading for thirteen cases of wine directed to the care of Thorburn and Donaldson, merchants at Norfolk. “I have depended on my partner to choose this wine having been too ill myself to attend to it. I hope the quality will please you.” RC and enclosures ( DLC ). RC 1 p. The enclosures (2 pp.) are a bill of lading and a receipt, both dated 2 July, for...
20To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 17 May 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
When the reputation of an officer of the United States is unjustly attacked, it is a duty he owes the Government and himself to vindicate his character. How far I have succeeded in this particular the annexed correspondence will shew. I beg leave Sir with great deference to lay it before you reposing the utmost confidence in that justice which so eminently distinguishes your administration.—...
21To James Madison from William Lee, 8 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 8 March 1806, Bordeaux. “I have the honor to enclose you an Imperial Decree imposing new duties on Sugar, Coffee, pepper Tea & Cocoa and his Imperial Majestys address on the opening of the Legislative body.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bordeaux, vol. 2). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner. Enclosures not found.
22To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 22 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received this day from the Estate of Madam Rochefoucauld at Cahuzac in this department a hogshead of white wine, which I am directed to forward to you. I have also within a few days recd. information of some Hermitage wine that is on its way here for the same purpose, and I shall take care to forward both parcels by the first good vessel. With the highest veneration I have the honor to...
23To James Madison from William Lee, 10 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you by triplicate a Decree of the King of Holland. Your obt. servant, DNA : RG 59—CD—Consular Despatches, Bordeaux.
24To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 14 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Wm Lee presents his respects to the President of the United States and begs he will do him the honor to accept the four medals accompanying this [Note in TJ’s hand:] Sep. 12. 1804. wines &c—778.50₶=146. D Oct. 22. Nov. 26. 05. vin de Cahusac. sec. < hermitage >
25To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 1 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have shipped on board the Brig Betsey Captain Walters bound to Baltimore to the address of Mr Purviance a Cask of Cahuzack wines, which I have taken the liberty to request he would forward on to you.— With great respect I have the honor to remain Your Obt. Sr. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
26To James Madison from William Lee, 27 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
I enclose you a Moniteur containing an account of the most murderous battle that has been fought during this campaign. Private accounts on which however no reliance can be placed say that the French lost eight general officers and that there remained on the field of battle thirty thousand French & Russians. With great respect I have the honor to remain Your obt Servant, DNA : RG 59—CD—Consular...
27William Lee to the American Commissioners, 17 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, September 17, 1778: I wish to confer with you on an important and profoundly secret subject; I will wait on you at any hour tomorrow at noon or afterwards when you are alone.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VII . Lee had been in Paris several days and planned to remain there no longer than three weeks: Ford, Letters of William Lee , II , 472,...
28To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 23 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The article under the Prussian head in the enclosed Argus will be found to merit the attention of the President. It is translated from the Moniteur and is no doubt intended as an answer to the note of the Russian Embassador Monsr. Novoritzoff to the Prussian Secretary of State which has of late appeared in some of the German prints.— With great respect DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
29To James Madison from William Lee, 14 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 14 September 1805, Bordeaux . “I have the honor to enclose you a bill of Loading & Invoice of six Cases of Wine, one Tierce of Vinegar and two Cases of Cordials which I have shipped for you on board the Brig Lyon to the address of Mr Purveyance of Baltimore. I hope they will arrive safe and be to your liking.” RC and enclosures ( DLC ). RC 1 p. For enclosures, see n. 1. For...
30To James Madison from William Lee, 29 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment received a letter from Stephen Ca thalan Esqr. our Consul at Marseilles, enclosing the annexed copy of one he recd from the American Consulate at Naples, containing the disagreeable intelli ge nce of the Algerines having declared war against the United States. I at firs t doubted the news, as some of our Consuls in the Mediterranean deal a l ittle in the marvellous; but on...
31To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 8 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The feeble state of my health will but just permit me to acknowledge the rect. of the letter you did me the honor to write me under date of the 14 June enclosing a bill on V Dupont de Nemours & Co. Being at this moment on my departure for the waters of the Pyrenees to avoid the distressing heat of this month I have taken the liberty to hand your order to my worthy and respectable partner Mr....
32To James Madison from William Lee, 8 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
A rumour having been current here for some days past tha t the Emperor had said to Genl. Armstrong that if we let slip this favo rable opportunity of declaring against England, that he intended to s hut our Commerce out from all the ports of Europe untill the con test between France and England should terminate, I thought it my duty to state the same to the General, beleiving the report to...
33To James Madison from William Lee, 14 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
The following is an extract by tra nslation of a letter recd. this day from a respectable m an in Hamburg, and communicated to me by a friend "It is asserted here but I do not know with ho w much truth, that one great cause of the French Emperors having issued this famous decree was his ha ving recd. information that on the 5th inst. there w as concluded at London a Treaty between the U S of...
34To James Madison from William Lee, 1 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
The Journal of the day contains the following article, "Le Conseil des Prizes en execution de l’art: 8 du Decret Imperiale, du 21 Novre. 1806 a prononcé la confiscation au profit de L’etat du navaire sous pavillon Americain The Fame saisi par les preposes de Douanes de Bordeaux le 8. aout, 1808 pour en etre dispose conformement 8 du dit Decret." This is a sea letter Vessel partly owned I...
35To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 27 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Virginia Historical Society By the Letter you did me the Honor to write to me the 17th. instant, I perceive you are still under a mistake relative to the Contract made with D’Acosta & Co.— There never was to my knowlege any Contract made with that house for the same things that I requested you to apply for to the French Ministry on account of the...
36William Lee to the American Commissioners, 19 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; autograph copy: Virginia Historical Society I shall be obliged to you for furnishing me with a Copy of the Treaties you have enter’d into with the Court of France, that I may not propose any thing inconsistent therewith to the Courts of Vienna and Berlin for which places I intend to set out on Saturday next. Any information or advice that you may be...
37To James Madison from William Lee, 4 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 4 March 1806, Bordeaux. “By two Imperial Decrees dated the twenty second, and twenty fifth of last month, the importation into this country of White and printed Cottons, and muslins is prohibited: Cotton wool is henceforth to pay a duty of sixty francs, per decimal quintal, equal to thirty francs, on one hundred pounds, and Tobacco is hereafter to pay a duty, of two hundred...
38To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 4 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The other day I made use of the Liberty you gave of leaving two paper percels and a letter for my Brother at your house and was sorry to be so unfortunate as not to find you at home. Very early in the morning I set out for Havre and expect to return in 8 or 10 daies at farthest, but if in the mean time my presence here Should be requisite, a line directed...
39To James Madison from William Lee, 26 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to transmit you an extract of a letter I have this day received from General Armstrong, as it is calculated in a measure to dissipate those fears occasioned by the Decree of the 21st. November. By what I can learn, the four privateers, which are fitting out here, with the expectation of being permitted to attack our commerce experience some difficulty at the Marine office. I begin...
40To James Madison from William Lee, 21 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Baker having put all the letters addressed to me into the possession of the Commissary General of Police at Lorient prevented my receiving the one you did me the honor to write me by that Gentleman under date of the 2d. of May until this morning. I feel much obliged for your goodness in leaving open the packet for Mr. Erving. I had before seen detached parts of those documents in the...
41To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 8 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Virginia Historical Society I am advised that Robt. Morris Esqr. The Superintendant General of Finance for Congress, has directed you to pay me, what is due to me from Congress out of the first money that came into your hands. I am now to request that you will please to inform me whether you have, or have not recd. such directions from...
42To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 11 June 1776 (Franklin Papers)
AL (letterbook draft): Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation, Stratford Hall, Va. The Bill of Mess. W. & M. dated 12 Decr. 1775 on Mess. P. & J. Berthon value £300. which you remitted to my Brother, is this day accepted payable at 60 daies by Agreement, this I doubt not you will think prudent to accept. I wish you long life, health, Success and happyness, and with a tender of any service, in my...
43To James Madison from William Lee (Abstract), 18 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
18 May 1805, Bordeaux . “In my letters to yourself and the Secretary of the Treasury under date of the 10th and 20th of January, I mentioned the affair of the ship Easter. Having <s>hortly after the date of my letters learnt that she was not to proceed from Cadiz to norfolk but to return here I took such arrangements with the Commissary of marine for the seizure of this Vessel as have...
44To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 1 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have shipped for you, on board the Brig Hope Capt Fisher, bound to Alexandria, two Cases of Hermitage Wine, sent to me from Tain by order of Mr Cathalan, and one barrel of white wine, from the Estate of Madam La Rochefoucauld, at Cahuzac in the department of the Dordogne. These wines reached me so late in the fall that I thought it prudent to keep them in my cellar until this time rather...
45To James Madison from William Lee, 10 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 June 1803, Bordeaux . Encloses a letter he received “yesterday” from Monroe. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 9 Apr. ; believes the regulations “therein contained” will stop the “improper discharge of Seamen in foreign ports.” Feels gratified in being able to force compliance with these regulations; they will help “in alleviating the suffering of a useful class of citizens.” Called on the...
46To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 7 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copies: Virginia Historical Society (three), University of Virginia Library I have the Honor to send you herewith, Copy of a Letter from Mr. Robt. R. Livingston Secretary of Congress for Foreign Affairs—of the 18th. of July last, & of an order of Congress of the 2d. of the same Month, to which be pleased to refer. As you inform’d me in you Letter of...
47To James Madison from William Lee, 18 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 February 1802, Bordeaux. Has sent home on ship Thames bound to Philadelphia the distressed and invalid seamen listed in enclosed document. To avoid the delay necessary to obtain Livingston’s authorization, the captain “consented (by my agreeing to furnish them with provisions and every thing necessary) to take them on board his Vessel, fully persuaded that the Government will make him such...
48To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 30 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the Honor of writing the 23d. of Jany. last to the American Commissioners at the Court of Versailles requesting that they wou’d, in consequence of the recommendation of Count De Vergennes, apply to the Prince De MontBarey for certain Artillery, Arms & Ammunition for the State of Virginia which I had authority to engage that State to pay for, as soon...
49To James Madison from William Lee, 14 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 July 1804, Bordeaux. “It having been represented to me that some of my Countrymen in London and Paris ⟨co⟩mment severely on my conduct respecting the Joseph & Phoebe of Castine from Virginia with Tobacco via Cowes the situation of which Vessel I mentioned to you in my respects of the 11th of April I have thought it a duty I owe myself to enclose you copies of my letters on this affair (in...
50To James Madison from William Lee, 26 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 26 June 1806, Bordeaux. “If it is not thought incompatible with the public service, I shall feel obliged if you will have the goodness to obtain leave for me of the President, to visit the United States, the next fall. Should this permission be granted me, I will with your approbation name either Mr John Appleton of Calais, Mr Anderson of montpellier, or Mr. F. Rotch a very...