Philada December 4. 1780
Sir,
I do myself the Pleasure to transmit you the enclosed Copy of an Act of Congress of the first Instant, by which you will be informed, that they approve of your retaining the Picture of his most Christian Majesty which was presented to you from that Monarch
That there is no Charge against you before Congress properly supported, and you may be assured, your recall was not intended to fix any kind of Censure on your Character or Conduct abroad.
The same Allowance is to be made to your Secretary as was made to Mr Stockton, Secretary to your Brother the Honble Wm. Lee. The other Articles in your Account, with the Vouchers, are referred to the Board of Treasury for Liquidation.1
I am Sir, with Sentiments of Esteem & respect, your most obedient & most humble Servant,
S.H.
Letter book, Papers of Continental Congress, item 15, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
1 See JCC, 18:1114 - 15. The issue of Samuel Stockton’s allowance had been settled on October 14, for which see ibid., pp. 926 - 27.