Arthur Lee to Samuel Adams

As I was in Virginia when Mr. Lowell arrivd here, it was some time before I receivd your favor by him. It gives me a good deal of concern that we are so soon to lose that Gentleman, his integrity & abilities rendering him an ornament to Congress.

Every thing from England seems to announce a real disposition to peace. But it is very surprising that by six or seven opportunities from France, we have not receivd a line from our Minister. Not even by Major Franks, who came as a special Messenger. And what is yet more astonishing, we have not a word from Mr. Adams relative to the late important proceedings in Holland. I am apprehensive, his Dispatches were sent, thro France; & were stopt there. This profound silence on subjects so very interesting together with the perilous & humiliating situation we are in touching the negociation for Peace, I own alarm me. I am very much inclind to think that France will be for protracting the war, or for turning the chief advantages of it to herself & to Spain. Mr. Jay' s last Letter suggest strong suspicions of that Court, & we have put ourselves shamefully & entirely in her power as to the conditions of Peace.

Spain appears to have been acting a part as silly as it is selfish; & to be covering the weakness of her Councils, by the insincerity of her conduct. Some spirited measures will be taken respecting that Court; merely because bravado in one instance, is some consolation for servility in another. For our interests seem out of the question in that quarter, She being no ways desirous of treating with us.

I am of a Committee appointed to inspect the department of Mr. Morris.

¹ Mr. Duane is the Chairman. Such a choice seemd to point out that Congress did not mean the inspection should be productive of public good. Nor have I any reason to think it will. All the Monies of the U. S. ought to go into the Treasury, & be issued from thence, the Treasurer being a chosen & sworn Officer & giving security for his fidelity. Mr. Morris has began to deviate from this line by putting half the monies of the Public into the hands of his quondam Clerk,²

where he may not only have a more certain use of them for his private purposes, but be covered in every thing he does. Shoud this maneuvre pass muster, the whole will soon go into the same channel, & the Institution & checks of a Treasury be rendered entirely useless. I am apprehensive that it will not only pass uncorrected, but receive the collateral approbation of an allowance to this Swanwick for his services. The accumulation of Offices in this man, the number of valuable appointments in his gift, the absolute control given him over all the Revenue officers, his money, & his art; render him a most dangerous man to the Liberty of this Country, as his excessive avarice does to the treasure of the public so much in his power. Our funds in France are in hands equally rapacious & less responsible. This ravenous spirit prompted Dr. F. to do what amounts to an absolute robbery. It is this. Col. Laurens had obtaind a million & a half of Livres from the french Court, to bring over hither for the support of our credit. It was deposited in Specie at Amsterdam & by the order of Col. Laurens to be brought by Major Jackson in the S. Carolina. When Col. L. had saild, Dr. F. by threats & orders prevails on Major Jackson to give up the money, & has it remitted to him at a loss to the U.S. of 19500 livres, besides the disappointment & embarrassment of our Finances here. This transaction will I have no doubt pass also unpunishd & uncensurd.

Your friends in Virginia were well when I left them, & remember you with affection. My respects to Mrs. Adams & remembrances to Genl. Ward & all our friends,

Farewell.