Arthur Lee to James Warren

Since I wrote to request you to send me a Certifyd Copy of the Resolve of the Assembly for granting me 6000 Acres of Land;

¹ Mr. Gorham tells me that it has expird, & he believes was renewd. Whether It has or not, I still beg that I may have a Copy of the first resolution for it is that I want. If however it shoud have expird, you will permit me to beg your attention to having it renewd upon the best terms which your knowledge of the subject may suggest.²

I cannot but hope that Peace is near, & yet it seems extraordinary that neither Congress, the french Minister, nor Genl. Carleton has any intelligence on the subject. As to the neglect with which Congress is treated that is neither new nor undeservd; but that all other sources of official intelligence upon a matter so very interesting & important, should be equally dry, is astonishing.

The mode of settling the Quotas of the States, & of establishing funds for the payment of our debts are questions now before Congress. I wish we had your assistance in discussing them. The Confederation is a stumbling block to those who wish to introduce new, & I think arbitrary systems. The vanity of being wiser than others, & of being able to amend whatever is already done, enlists many under this banner, who do not mean any thing undue. But these Dispositions are often moulded to their measures by artful men, & others without intending it, are made to minister to their pernicious purposes.

Please to make my respects acceptable to Mrs. Warren, & to all our friends.

I have the honor to be, with the greatest esteam, Dear Sir, Yr. most Obedt Servt.

Arthur Lee