held a correspondence with his brothers, and several other persons
in America, respecting the political state of things in England, and
the transactions relating to the Colonies. He was warmly attached to
the interests of his country, and was appointed by the Assembly of
Massachusetts to be Agent for that Colony, as successor to Dr Franklin,
who left England in the spring of 1775. In December, of the same year,
the Committee of Secret Correspondence requested Mr Lee to act as their
secret agent in London, and to transmit to them any information, which
he might think important. He wrote to the Committee several letters,
while acting in this agency.
When Commissioners to the Court of France were appointed, Mr Jefferson,
one of the number, declined accepting the appointment, and Arthur Lee
was put in his place, October 22d, 1776. He proceeded from London to
Paris, where he met the other Commissioners. In the spring of 1777 he
went to Spain, by the advice of his colleagues, with the design of
procuring aid from the Spanish Government for the United States, in
which he was partially successful. On his return to Paris, he made a
short tour to Vienna and Berlin for similar purposes, and maintained
for some time a correspondence of a political nature with Baron de
Schulenburg, one of the Prussian Ministers. Meantime he received from
Congress the appointment of Commissioner to Spain, but he never went
out of France while acting under this commission. It expired when Mr
Jay was made Minister Plenipotentiary to that Court.
Arthur Lee returned to the United States in September, 1780, and the
next year he was chosen a Representative to the Assembly of Virginia.
By this body he was sent a Delegate to Congress. While in that
capacity, he was made one of a commission to form treaties with the
Indians on the Northwestern frontiers, and was occupied several months
in the duties of that expedition. He died in Virginia, after a short
illness, on the 12th of December, 1792.
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF ARTHUR LEE.
FROM THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO ARTHUR LEE.
Philadelphia, December 12th, 1775.
Sir,
By this conveyance we have the pleasure of transmitting to you
sundry printed papers, that such of them as you think proper may be
immediately published in England.
We have written on the subject of American affairs to Monsieur C. G. F.
Dumas, who resides at the Hague. We recommend to you to correspond with
him, and to send through his hands any letters to us which you cannot
send more directly. He will transmit them via St Eustatia.
Mr Story may be trusted with any despatches you think proper to send
us. You will be so kind as to aid and advise him.
It would be agreeable to Congress _to know the disposition of foreign
powers towards us_, and we hope this object will engage your attention.
We need not hint that _great circumspection and impenetrable secrecy_
are necessary. The Congress rely on your zeal and abilities to serve
them, and will readily compensate you for whatever trouble and expense
a compliance with their desire may occasion. We remit you for the
present £200.
Whenever you think the importance of your despatches may require it, we
desire you to send an express boat with them from England, for which
service your agreement with the owner there shall be fulfilled by us
here.
We can now only add, that we continue firm in our resolutions to defend
ourselves, notwithstanding the _big threats_ of the ministry. We have
just taken one of their ordnance storeships, in which an abundance of
carcasses and bombs, intended for burning our towns, were found.
With great esteem, we are, Sir, your most obedient humble servants,
B. FRANKLIN,
JOHN DICKINSON,
JOHN JAY.
TO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
London, February 13th, 1776.
The enclosed will easily explain itself. The intelligence you should
observe, and take measures accordingly. A fund for necessary expenses
should be fixed here, in such hands as can be confided in. You know
who is to be trusted. From experience I can say, (though without any
connexion or commerce with them) the New England men are fittest to be
trusted in any dangerous or important enterprise. Show this only to R.
H. L.[1] of Virginia, and he will _guess_ from whence it comes.
The intelligence, if it gets to hand in time, should be communicated as
soon as possible to every part of America, that she may be prepared.
[1] Richard Henry Lee.
TO LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR COLDEN.[2]
[Enclosed in the foregoing.]
London, February 13th, 1776.
Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 30th of November, 1775, announcing the appointment
of a Secret Committee reached me a few days since. Miscarriages will
be manifold indeed, if you have not frequently heard from me. All my
solicitude has been about my letters reaching you; every disguise was
necessary to effect that. I am, however, much obliged to the General
for the step taken to secure me.
You will be curious to know what are the ministerial intentions, and
their force for the next campaign. The following is their army upon
paper,--Hessians, 12,000; Brunswickers, Woolfenbutlers and Waldeckers,
5000; six regiments under Lord Cornwallis, 3000; eight more to sail in
the spring, 4000; Highlanders, 2000; now in America, 8000.
The sailing and destination of this armament is thus. Those under
General Lord Cornwallis are now embarked at Cork, and wait for sailing
orders, their destination, Virginia. By the treaty just now signed,
the Germans are to be ready on the 27th of this month to march to
the seacoast and embark, but for what part of America is not exactly
known; the march by land is near six weeks, so that they cannot sail
before April. The second embarkation from Cork will be about the same
time, and it seems probable that their destination will be against
Canada, under General Burgoyne, who is soliciting that command. In the
meantime, the 29th regiment, with General Carleton’s brother, is to
sail from hence immediately to reinforce Quebec, supposing that they
can get high enough up the river, as far as the Isle of Orleans, to
make good their march by land. The regiments under Lord Cornwallis are
the 37th, 33d, 54th, 15th, 28th, 46th. Those for the spring are the
34th, 53d, 62d, 3d, 9th, 11th, 20th, 24th. Lord Howe is appointed to
the command at sea, but the commander on land is not known; certain
however it is, that there are two Lieutenant Generals, and one of
them old, that go with the Germans, so that it must be one of great
reputation and old in the service to command over them. It is therefore
conjectured Count de Lippe will be the man. He commanded the army in
Portugal during the last war. They are taking up East Indiamen for
the transport service, supposing they will be able to beat off the
cruisers. A great number of artillery and waggon horses are to be sent,
and a train of large battering cannon is preparing, which it would seem
can only be intended against Quebec, should it be taken by General
Montgomery.
The English and Irish troops go with infinite reluctance, and strong
guards are obliged to be kept upon the transports to keep them from
deserting by wholesale. The Germans too, I am well informed, are almost
mutinous, but the Landgrave of Hesse is an absolute tyrant, and must be
obeyed. It is therefore conceived, that if the Congress have proposals
prepared in English and German, to distribute among them when they
land, which no precautions can prevent, multitudes will desert.
Upon the whole, the ministry, if every thing favors them, may have
about thirty thousand men in America by the latter end of June. They
will have no horse but two regiments of light dragoons, that are now
there, and Burgoyne’s, which is to go. If the Americans have horse well
trained to the woods, it will harrass such an army infinitely; and if
they act upon the defensive, entrench well, harrass them continually,
cut off their convoys, and if ever they hazard an engagement, make
their push upon one wing; it is imagined here, that no General on
earth can make the campaign decisive, and it is hardly possible this
country can stand another. They have found it impossible to recruit
in England, Ireland, or Scotland, though the leading people of the
last are to a man violently against America. They have therefore been
obliged to draft from the other regiments to complete those which are
going, so that when the whole are embarked, there will be scarce 2000
men remaining in Ireland, and as many in England, besides the foot
guards and cavalry. I am well assured, that the French Government will
wink at the exportation of arms and ammunition. A General of the first
abilities and experience would go over, if he could have any assurance
from the Congress of keeping his rank; but that being very high, he
would not submit to have any one but an American his superior, and
that only in consideration of the confidence due to an American in a
question so peculiarly American.
Let me have your opinion of all these things. The opposition gains
ground, and the nation begins to feel; but America must trust to her
own arm and Heaven for protection. The resolutions of January the 2d[3]
do you infinite honor, and will undoubtedly serve the cause. Your
conduct, I trust, will be noble, as that is great and good. I know
your attachment to the country you have adopted. Prince Ferdinand’s
recommendation of the General mentioned above is in these words. “As to
experience, intelligence and valor, I do not know whether another can
be found to equal him.” Your letter of the 30th of November, 1775, cost
19_s._ 6_d._ postage, there was so much superfluous paper; would not
a packet sent to some of the Canary Islands, and committed to proper
care, reach us safest and soonest? If there is any friend there to be
trusted, the opportunities from thence hither are frequent. Cover mine
and address it to John Horsfall, Treasurer, Middle Temple.
[2] The name of Lieutenant Governor Colden of New York, to whom this
and two other letters are directed, was doubtless assumed by Mr Lee
for the purpose of disguise, in case the letters should fall into the
enemy’s hands. Colden was a royalist.
[3] See the Journal of Congress for January 2d, 1776.
TO LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR COLDEN.
London, February 14th, 1776.
Dear Sir,
The enclosed list is the ministerial army upon paper. In effect it will
amount to about 15000 Germans and 18000 British; their destination I
can now give you with some certainty; 4000 Brunswickers and Waldeckers,
with 500 Hessians from Hanan, are now at Stade, a port in Hanover,
ready for immediate embarkation and destined for Canada, to be joined
by the twentyninth regiment, and 1000 drafted from the Foot Guards,
under Colonel Matthews. There is to be another embarkation in the
spring from Ireland for Canada, and the whole is to be commanded by
General Burgoyne, and Carleton I believe recalled.
The second body, being Hessians, are to march this day for Stade,
and the third on the 14th of next month; these are for Boston. Lord
Cornwallis, with six regiments, to sail immediately from Cork for
Virginia, where General Clinton is to take the command. They have
certain assurances of being joined by the Scotch in Virginia, and those
on the borders of North Carolina under the command of one M’Donald. In
the mean time, they have been directed to protect themselves under a
treaty of neutrality. Besides this land force, Lord Howe is to have a
fleet of seventytwo sail to block up the coast. For this purpose large
ships are to be stationed at the mouths of the great rivers, and the
rest are to cruise at some distance from the coast three deep, but not
in file, so as to render it more difficult to cross them. They are to
get possession of New York and Hudson’s river, so as to cut off all
south and north communications, and they have some idea of attacking
Canada too, by Montreal. Halifax is to be their naval magazine.
The Germans are commanded by two Lieutenant Generals, of whom the
eldest is named De Heister, who has some military character. This is
the favorable review of their plan. On the contrary, the whole army,
native and foreign, is averse to the service, so that it is much
apprehended, that if the provincials are dexterous in throwing among
them advantageous propositions, and faithful in performing them, the
desertion will be immense. The British troops have not one in five that
is a soldier, the rest are boys and debilitated manufacturers, just
recruited, at the reduced standard of five feet four inches. A vast
number of the best subaltern officers have quitted the service. It is
thought they will make Howe commander in chief, which must disgust the
German generals, who are much older. The expense will be immense, the
difficulty of providing magazines immense, and another campaign hardly
possible. Lord George Sackville is the minister, with absolute and
hated authority even in the Cabinet.
Great expectations too are entertained from treachery in the
provincials. Dr Church was in league with others, particularly Flemming
the printer.[4] This I have from ministerial authority, which may be
depended on. They will also endeavor to depreciate the Congress paper,
by throwing in forged notes. A general of the first rank and abilities
would go over, if the Congress would authorise any one to promise him a
proper reception. This I had from Mr Lee, agent for Massachusetts, but
it must be secret with you, as I was not to mention it.
[4] See an account of Dr Church, in Washington’s Official Letters, vol.
i. p. 36.
TO LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR COLDEN.
April 15th, 1776.
Dear Sir,
On the 7th ult. the Snow, Dickinson, Captain Meston, consigned to
Messrs Montandouine & Frere at Nantes, was brought into Bristol by her
crew, and delivered up with all her papers. From these the ministry are
apprized of all the ships, which have been sent to the different ports
of France, and cruisers are despatched into the Bay of Biscay to watch
them. John Sands, mate of the Dickinson, had made memorandums long
before he left Philadelphia of every material transaction, which shows
a premeditated plan of treachery. The proceedings of the ministry,
relative to this proof of the French interposition, have not yet
transpired, but France does not seem to be settled or spirited enough
to enter into a war, should England resent this business.
On the 5th of this month, a fleet sailed with 2000 Brunswick troops
and General Burgoyne; it is therefore understood that they are gone
to succor Quebec. Six regiments, about 4000 effective men, made up
with German recruits, are now ready for sailing orders at Cork. It is
probable that they are destined to Quebec. The first divisions of the
Hessians are not yet arrived, so that it is not likely the whole of
them will sail till the latter end of May. They are, by stipulation, to
serve altogether, and therefore, will go to Boston or Long Island. It
is supposed the provincials will possess the strong posts on Elizabeth
River, which, if in the enemy’s hands, will give them the command of
Jersey, Staten Island, &c. If the provincials always have redoubts in
the front and flanks of their army, it is the opinion of the ablest in
the profession, that they will be better than entrenchments or lines,
and will foil the regulars by breaking their line, or forcing them to
sacrifice a number of men, which they cannot afford.
People here begin to feel the matter as very serious, since the
publications of Dr Price and Lord Stair have convinced them, that
new taxes must be imposed for supporting this armament, which it is
certain will cost upwards of twelve millions. The ships sent out are
exceedingly ill manned, and there is such a disposition to desertion
among the German troops, that if proper offers are made to them, the
ministerial people are much afraid they will desert in great numbers.
They have hopes, however, that divisions will take place among the
provinces, and in the Congress, as they are satisfied that firmness and
unanimity will force their own terms.
The city of London has addressed the throne for an avowal of the
conditions on which peace is to be restored. The answer was in effect
unconditional submission. You may reckon that in July the troops will
be arrived, so as to enable General Howe to take the field. Lord Howe,
though he has accepted the command, is not yet sailed; he goes in the
Eagle, of sixtyfour guns. He is a brave man, but has a very confused
head, and is therefore very unfit for an extensive command. As there
will not be above two line of battle ships, if the Congress could
procure five line of battle ships from the French and Spaniards, they
might destroy or drive the whole British fleet from their coasts. Adieu.
TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.[5]
June 3d, 1776.
Gentlemen,
The desire of the Court of France to assist may be depended on; but
they are yet timid and the ministry unsettled. Turgot, lately removed,
was the most averse to a rupture with England; his removal is of
consequence. The contention for the lead now is between Count de
Vergennes and the Duke de Choiseul; both are friends to you and for
vigorous measures. The disposition in France may for these reasons
be relied on. Spain is more reserved, but surely when France moves
Spain will co-operate. The clear revenue from the farm of tobacco
is twentyfour millions of livres to France. It has been hinted to
me, that she is likely to tell Great Britain, that if England cannot
furnish it, she will send for it herself. You may judge, therefore,
what an important instrument that is in your hands. A Scotch banker,
Sir Robert Herries, proposed to the Farmers in France to supply them at
the home price here, that is, with the duty, to which they agreed. He
then applied to this government for leave to import it upon paying the
duties, which was refused.
In the last debate, Lord George Germain, who is undoubtedly minister,
affirmed that no treaty would be held with you till you had laid down
your arms. My opinion is, that independency is essential to your
dignity, essential to your present safety, and essential to your future
prosperity and peace. Some of the Congress correspond with Mr Jackson,
of the Board of Trade, and with Mr Molleson, a Scotch merchant; the
intelligence they give goes directly to the minister.
The young gentleman who will deliver this is of great worthiness, and
deserves much of his country for his fidelity and zeal. Six thousand of
the Hessian troops sailed last month, the remainder is not yet arrived
here, so that it may be September before they reach you. In the mean
time, it may be Howe’s plan to amuse you with a negotiation, which
may also furnish an opportunity of feeling some pulses among you, as
to the efficacy of money and promises. Beware of Joseph Reed[6] of
Philadelphia. One Brooke Watson, who was permitted to travel last year
from New York to Quebec, gave in a plan to the ministry for attacking
Canada, and is with the invaders.
[5] There are only two fragments of the original of this letter
remaining, but there is in the office a copy of the whole, endorsed as
follows.
“Copy of A. Lee’s letter to the Committee of Secret Correspondence,
dated June 3d, 1776, and taken from the original in the cover of a
Dictionary, which was delivered to the Secretary of Congress, by Robert
Morris, on the 4th of September, 1778, and to the Committee of Foreign
Affairs, 7th December following.”
This copy, as well as the endorsement, is written in Mr Lovell’s hand,
and attested, _James Lovell_.
[6] This suspicion was ill founded, as events proved. No man gave more
substantial testimonies of his patriotism, and ardent zeal in the
cause of his country, than Joseph Reed. The suspicion grew out of the
circumstance, that Mr Reed had corresponded with Lord Dartmouth a year
or two before, respecting the state of the Colonies.
_Record of the Committee of Secret Correspondence._[7]
Philadelphia, October 1st, 1776.
Mr Thomas Story, (who had been sent by the Committee of Secret
Correspondence, December 13th, 1775, to France, Holland, and England)
reported verbally as follows. “On my leaving London, Arthur Lee
requested me to inform the Committee of Correspondence, that he had
several conferences with the French ambassador, who had communicated
the same to the French Court; that, in consequence thereof, the Duke de
Vergennes had sent a gentleman to Arthur Lee, who informed him, that
the French Court could not think of entering into a war with England;
but that they would assist America, by sending from Holland this fall
two hundred thousand pounds sterling worth of arms and ammunition to
St Eustatia, Martinique, or Cape François; that application was to be
made to the governors or commandants of those places, by inquiring for
_Monsieur Hortalez_, and that, on persons properly authorised applying,
the above articles would be delivered to them.”
The above intelligence was communicated to the subscribers this day,
being the only two members of the Committee of Secret Correspondence
now in this city; and on our considering the nature and importance of
it, we agree in opinion, that it is our indispensable duty to keep it a
secret, even from Congress, for the following reasons.
First. Should it get to the ears of our enemies at New York, they
would undoubtedly take measures to intercept the supplies, and thereby
deprive us, not only of these succors, but of others expected by the
same route.
Secondly. As the Court of France have taken measures to negotiate this
loan and succor in the most cautious and most secret manner, should
we divulge it immediately, we may not only lose the present benefit,
but also render that Court cautious of any further connexion with such
unguarded people, and prevent their granting other loans and assistance
that we stand in need of, and have directed Mr Deane to ask of them;
for it appears from all our intelligence that they are not disposed
to enter into an immediate war with Great Britain, though disposed to
support us in our contest with them; we, therefore, think it our duty
to cultivate their favorable disposition towards us, and draw from them
all the support we can; and in the end their private aid must assist us
to establish peace, or inevitably draw them in as parties to the war.
Thirdly. We find, by fatal experience, that the Congress consists
of too many members to keep secrets, as none could be more strongly
enjoined than the present embassy to France, notwithstanding which, Mr
Morris was this day asked by Mr Reese Meredith, whether Dr Franklin and
others were really going ambassadors to France; which plainly proves,
that this Committee ought to keep this secret, if secrecy is required.
Fourthly. We are of opinion, that it is unnecessary to inform Congress
of this intelligence at present, because Mr Morris belongs to all the
committees that can properly be employed in receiving and importing the
expected supplies from Martinique, and will influence the necessary
measures for that purpose; indeed, we have already authorised William
Bingham to apply at Martinique and St Eustatia for what comes there,
and remit part by the armed sloop Independence, Captain Young,
promising to send others for the rest.
Mr Morris will apply to the Marine Committee to send other armed
vessels after her, and also to Cape François, (without communicating
this advice), in consequence of private intelligence lately received,
that arms, ammunition, and clothing can now be procured at those places.
But should any unexampled misfortune befall the States of America, so
as to depress the spirits of Congress, it is our opinion, that, on
any event of that kind, Mr Morris (if Dr Franklin should be absent)
should communicate this important matter to Congress, otherwise keep it
until part or the whole supplies arrive, unless other events happen,
to render the communication of it more proper than it appears to be at
present.
B. FRANKLIN,
ROBERT MORRIS.
[7] This record was entered at the time on the Journal of the
Committee, but was not made public.
FROM THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO ARTHUR LEE.
Philadelphia, October 23d, 1776.
Sir,