To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 10 July 1779
From Arthur Lee
ALS: American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives
Paris July 10th. 1779
Sir,
I had the honor of receiving your Letter of yesterday in which you inform me, that Messrs. Bayard, Chaumont, & Montieu were the Merchants you alluded to in your Letter to my Brother, & that you understood their terms were those proposed by Virginia.
The first of these Gentlemen, who never applied to me, I understand is a Bankrupt.7 The second you may remember declind an application made by us with Mr. King, similar to that by Mr. Lemaire, but to a much smaller amount.8
Mr. Lemaire brought Mr. Montieu to my House, as one who had a Manufactory of Fusils.9 But he made no proposals that I remember at all conformable to those of the State of Virginia. Your Nephew1 however informs me, that he believes Mr. Montieu sent his Proposals to you in writing. If so I shall be much obligd to you for a Copy of them.
I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir Yr. most obedt. Humble Servt.
Arthur Lee
The Honble. B. Franklin
7. For Bayard’s bankruptcy see XXIX, 232n.
8. John King was a Petersburg, Va., merchant who seems to have accompanied Silas Deane to France (XXIV, 503n); he contracted with Penet, d’Acosta frères for various supplies for Virginia, but the contract was not fulfilled: Jefferson Papers, III, 91.
9. For Montieu’s arms see XXII, 464n. Lee was suspicious of him: XXIX, 133, 166–7. Le Maire’s relations with the Lees also were less than cordial: XXVII, 361–3 and following.
1. In the draft Lee deleted “Nephew” and interlined “grandson”.