Decr. 18th 1779
Dear Sir
Yr Favr. of Novr. 30th1 reached me too late on Tuesday the 14th to permit a Line in Return. I now find what you asked for and some french Vouchers intended originally for You. I add some Letters recd. last Evening.
I am now to surprise you more than heretofore by telling that Thursday last being fixed upon for the Election of a Secretary to Doctr. Franklin or rather the Embassy which Lt. Col. Laurens had not accepted, the Day passed without even a Nomination. But Yesterday Mr. Mathews named G Morris who is making all Smooth to obtain it. I had intended to name Col. Hamilton. Ellery however was beforehand & put me up. I pursued my Intention & Mr. Plater named a Col Steuart of Maryland. I mentioned to Congress that I should not as some time ago desire my name to be withdrawn as I had not the Opinion of a Self denying Ordinance which I then had, and was fortified in my Change of Sentiments by the late Proceedings of Congress. I declared that my Wish was not implyd but my meer Consent if the Ballots should not happily be general for another. I am pained at my present Situation.2
You must be free in yr. Opinion upon this Conduct, let the Event be what it may.
Yrs. affectionately,
James Lovell
Receiver’s copy, Lee Family Papers, University of Virginia Archives.
1 Not found.
2 For Lovell’s "Situation" with regard to the selection of a secretary to the minister plenipotentiary to France, see Lovell to Henry Laurens, December 15 and 17, 1779,
3 Not found.