So8 Letters from Benjamin Franklin 



From Benjamin Franklin and Silas Deane to Arthur Lee. 

 1778. February 15. Paris. 



Two drafts of a letter (only one of which was sent) acquainting Mr. 

 Lee that they are ready to consult with him, whenever he pleases, upon 

 any circumstance relative to the despatches. A. Dr. of L. in Franklin's 

 hand, i p. VIII, 113a. 



From Benjamin Franklin and Silas Deane to Arthur Lee. 

 1778. February 26. Passy. 



Necessity of acquainting the Court immediately with the return of 

 their despatches ; Mr. Lee was not consulted as the case seemed a plain 

 one, and any delay dangerous; thinks Mr. Deane deserves his thanks, 

 and neither of them merit his condemnation. A. Dr. of L, by Dr. 

 Franklin. 2 p. VIII, 133a. 



From Benjamin Franklin and Silas Deane to Arthur Lee. 

 1778, February 28. Passy. 



The treaties [with France] are being copied in French and English; 

 no desire to postpone Mr. Lee's proposition, only two things cannot 

 be done at once; believe the convoy to have sailed. A. Dr. of L. by 

 Dr. Franklin, i p. VIII, 140a. 



To W[illia]m Lee. 1778. March 2. Passy. 



Should have separated the papers relating to the House of Willing 

 and Morris from those relating to the business of the Committee. Sees 

 no necessity of Franklin being concerned in opening the trunk that con- 

 tains those papers. If Mr. Lee chooses, on his departure for Germany, 

 he will take care of the trunk [containing the papers of Mr, Thomas 

 Morris] sealed until he receives orders to deliver it up, but otherwise 

 declines to meddle with it. A. Dr. of L. S. 2 p. XLV, 117. 



Printed in Works (Smyth, VII, 115). 



To W[illia]m Lee. 1778. March 6. Passy. 



Returns the keys; wishes Mr. Lee's brother to keep them during his 

 stay in France. Will have no hand in the appointment of his nephew, 

 Mr. [Jonathan] Williams, [Jr.,] as Agent in one of the ports. Did 

 not advise the delivery to himself of the trunk [containing the papers 

 of Mr. Thomas Morris] ; said he had no objection to receive it, if 

 Mr. Lee chose to leave it with him sealed. A. Dr. of L. S. 2 p. 



XLV, 118. 



Printed in Works (Smyth, VII, 116). 



