Richard Henry Lee to Arthur Lee

The Marquis Fayette left us to day for Boston where he is to embark. This letter will follow him with our dispatches. I wish that a true friendship may take place between you and the Marquis, because I discern in this young Nobleman those principles that I think cannot fail to render him a great Man. And his virtue is such as will make him superior to all those mean and selfish considerations which mark too many. The {disgusting arrogance?}¹ of our {enemie} s is such as {require}s on our {part} the greatest { circumspection}. Even {virtue}t will not do alone, the strictest {appearance} must accompany this, where enemies are numerous, wicked, and inquisitive, and where the most laudable actions may be misinterpreted, and by the artful mixture of innocent truth with much falsehood, can impose on weak minds and such as are more than half willing to be imposed on, infinite care is necessary. I am much mistaken if your honest zeal in your Countries cause concerning the {unexecuted article}s of the {treaty} will not be diligently both from {hence} and with {you} be used to {ruin} you with the {court} of F - e² Will it not be well, besides taking other wise precautions, to speak to the {minister}³ with the candor, firmness, and sincerity, on this subject, that becomes a Man concerned in the wellfare of his Country? The whole tribe of wicked ones at Passy and all their Coadjutors will be employed in this nefarious business??But a sensible and virtuous Minister will esteem the integrity of a Man who faithfully discharges his trust by seeing and pursuing the interest of his Country, in the Station you have been in. The wickedness of Deane and his party exceeds all belief, and must in the end fail them notwithstanding the Art with which they clothe themselves. The wicked and some weak can alone support them No Man knows better than Deane how to avail himself of the glare cast around him by the favor of the Great, which mere circumstances, not his merit or his virtue have procured him. This Wretch would rise upon the ruin of the first, the firmest, and most uniform friends of this Country and of France. But I trust all his Manoeuvres will fail him. If you have time it may be well to give his papers to Congress, which are now sent you,⁴ a well considered and well established refutation - I can detect, as I read it, numerous falsehoods and sophistry.

Give my respects to Mr. Izard and tell him I greatly admire his spirit and good sense. Remember what I have written you about Ludwell, my bark, & Spectacles. Let the Alderman know that his affairs at Green Spring are under the care of an Able Stewart.

I am most sincerely and affectionately yours,

Richard Henry Lee