Papers of John Adams, volume 7
1779-01-13
The Letter which you did Us the Honour to write Us on the 15 December, We have received. As We have heard nothing further of the Congress in Germany, which you inform Us was talked of, We presume that no such Measure will take Place.
However, whether there be a Congress or not, We cannot comply with the Terms of the Gentleman you mention, nor Advise him to take any Steps in the Business.
We have also the Honour of your Letter of the 9th december, informing Us of your draught upon Us, for Twenty four Thousand Livres, at one Months date payable to Mr. Grand. The Bill of Exchange itself has also been presented to Us, and accepted. We have the Honour to be &C.1
Although this Letterbook copy does not indicate the signatories of the letter as finally sent, it may be assumed that Benjamin Franklin did not sign it. The opinions expressed in the first two paragraphs may well reflect the thinking of the three Commissioners, but the final paragraph does not. An entry for 8 Jan. in the Commissioners' accounts for the period from 12 Nov. 1778 to 11 Feb. 1779 (above) indicates that only Arthur Lee and JA approved Lee's draft, Benjamin Franklin being adamant in his refusal to supply William Lee with additional funds (Ralph Izard to the Commissioners, 12 Jan., note 1, above). For the same reasons it can be assumed that only Arthur Lee and JA signed the letter to Ralph Izard of this same date (LbC, Adams Papers) approving his draft on the Commissioners.