Octr. 13. 1779.
Sir
This is officially to convey to you the Knowledge of the Appointment of a Minister plenipotentiary in lieu of a Commissioner at the Court of Spain; and also a Resolve of Congress of this Day1 upon the Reading of your Letter of the 31st of May. 2 Mr. Jay will probably be in a short Time in Europe to execute his Commission.
I am, Sir, your most humble Servant,
James Lovell, for the Comtee. of forgn. Affairs
Receiver’s copy, Lee Family Papers, University of Virginia Archives. Written and signed by Lovell.
1 Congress had resolved "that Mr. A. Lee be informed of Mr. Jay’s appointment, and that, agreeably to his request, he is at liberty to return to America." JCC, 15:1165 - 66. Lovell had made this motion because he feared that Lee would be embarrassed by being informed of his replacement through the newspapers, which had printed extracts of Congress’ resolves appointing John Jay a minister to Spain. See Lovell to John Adams, October 5, note 1, and to William Whipple, October 5, 1779, note 1.
2 Lee’s May 31, 1779, letter offering to resign his commission is in PCC, item 83, 2:268 - 71; and Wharton, Diplomatic Correspondence, 3:196. See also James Lovell to Richard Henry Lee, this date, note 2.