Richard Henry Lee to Arthur Lee

It being very uncertain whether this letter will reach Europe before you have quitted it will prevent me from writing so fully as I would otherwise do - Yet I foresee the letter will not be a short one upon the idea that you may possibly not be come away - The bearer of this is George Mason, Esq. eldest son of Colo. George Mason, whose good sense and friendship for the family renders him worthy of esteem. The young gentleman had intended for France last year but was disappointed - The same reason induces him to make a second effort, hope of reestablishing his health by the Sea air and the fostering climate either of Italy or the South of France, as you shall advise him is most salutary for relieving him from the consequences of a severe chronic Rheumatism - I have no doubt but that you will give Mr. Mason every friendly assistance in your power.

Your letters of August 21 - 17 & 28 of September I have received with the enclosures in that of the 17th, since the receipt of which the Assembly of this State has not met - they will do so in a week from this time, when the friends of you and their country will be consulted concerning the propriety of presenting your Memorial, and measures pursued accordingly. I have much pleasure in assuring you that my informations from many parts of the United States confirm that Deane & his Abettors are fallen into universal contempt and reprobation. For my part I believe a wickeder set never sprung from the corrupt compost of avarice, ambition, envy and fraud. I caused 500 copies of your letter to Congress dated Feb. 10 - 1779 answering Deanes Libel to be published and dispersed thro North America, leaving out such parts as might offend by communicating the secrets of Courts friendly to America - this I am sure your patriotism will approve, altho such withholdings prevented your merit from being so fully displaied - This publication has had every good effect that could be wished - When you arrive in America you may find it necessary to prevent further injuries to your country by some nefarious possessor of to open public men and their measures more fully to the community, as fully as may consist with Union the great principle of our Countries safety. Deane was arrested in Philadelphia at your suit in an action of slander damage £200,000 - he gave appearance bail, but as the law would not compel special bail in such actions, he has made his escape before judgement - So that now he may not be found to answer the damages that may be awarded. I formerly proposed to you that it would be very proper for you in your way to Congress to pass if possible thro New hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island & Connecticut, there to visit Gen. Whipple, Mr. Sam. Adams, Gen. Warren, Mr Ellery & Mr Merchant, and Governor Trumbull, with many other virtuous friends of their country and you - I still hope you may do so. Our worthy & learned friend, Geo. Wythe esquire is now Professor of Law in Wm & Mary College - his lectures are admired, and it deserves your consideration whether your nephew Ludwell would not be greatly benefitted by attending his lectures whilst he is reading the laws of Virginia and getting a competent knowledge of the Attorney’s practise - his father thinks so and if you approve it & can spare him, he may come presently here for the above purpose. There is now a fine opening for Able Lawyers at the Gen. Court Bar, and the sooner the [he] commences with propriety the better. Your friends think that Boston or Philadelphia will be the best Theatres for the display of your Law powers. They are certainly much superior places to this country in that Line. After the very ungrateful treatment