George Washington to Arthur Lee

I am much obliged to you for the suggestion which you do me the favour to make in your Letter of the 11th, as I shall at all times be for any others which may occur to you advancive of the public service.

I am so entirely convinced of the absolute necessity of a large and immediate foreign aid of money, to the continuance of the war, that I should be happy to do any thing I could with propriety to promote it. I impart to you in confidence, that I have in the most explicit manner given my sentiments on this head to the Minister of France here; and if my Opinion can have any influence with the Court of Versailles, I imagine it will be known through this channel. A more direct communication might appear an intrusion and an interference in matters out of my province. I am happy to hear Congress have this important object under consideration.

I persuade myself they will urge it with all the emphasis in their power and in the form most likely to succeed. If there should be any thing by which I could contribute to the success of the application, I should certainly think it my duty to give all the aid in my power.

I have the honor to be etc.¹