Arthur Lee to Thomas Jefferson

In your retird situation it will not I hope be disagreeable to you to hear what is going on at this place.

You will see in what state our western Country rests in Congress, by the Extract that I shall subjoin.

¹ The report has not been taken up because the Enemy think they shall acquire an accession of strength, by their usual arts, and by the admission of Vermont, as a state. On our part, not being strong enough to give it a final dismission, we can only watch their motions, & act on the defensive. I doubt whether Vermont will be admitted. The publication of the names of all the adventurers in these land Companies, woud I conceive greatly lessen their influence by showing that they are interested, Jo[hns]on, Chase & Carroll, who have committed Maryland into a quarrel with Virginia on this subject, are among them. But I shall bring authenticated Copies of them to the next Session of Assembly when I suppose this question will be fully discussd. I hope you will be in the House. My Brother R.H. will be in the House of Delegates &, I believe, Col. G. Mason. Shoud you see the Attorney,²

with whom this goes, he will give you a full & satisfactory account of this business, as he has with great diligence & discernment collected & digested all the arguments related to it. My Colleagues seem to me to be as faithful to, & watchful over, the interests of our Country as you can possible wish.

The latest news from France says that the fleet & Convoy destind for the W. Indies, after the british fleet had taken some of the transports, were obligd by a storm to return to port much injurd. The beginning of Feby. they were ready to sail again. Rodney with 12 Ships, saild for the W.I. the 10th of Jany. It is said St. Kitts is taken, but we have no authentic account of that or of the engagement between de Grasse & Hood.

I beg my respects to your Lady, & have the honor to be with the greatest esteem, dear Sir, Yr. Most Obedt Servt.,

A. Lee