New York May 31st. 1785
Dear Sir,
On the 28th instant I had the honor to pay my respects to you in a letter of that date to wch. I beg leave to refer. The design of this letter is to introduce to your acquaintance, and friendly offices, Captain Christopher Miller the Bearer, who was this day introduced to me by Governor Clinton of this State, who assures me that in the late war the Captain proved himself to be a firm and useful friend to the cause of America - And the Governor added, that he would be answerable for Captain Millers worth and integrity. The Captain has in contemplation, a plan, concerning which he will talk with you, and which he thinks will be productive both of private & public good; and if you can find it convenient to aid his views, I doubt not but that you will assist a worthy friend to this country.1
I have the honor to be, with the most perfect esteem & regard dear Sir, your most obedient & very humble servant.
Richard Henry Lee
Receiver's copy, Adams Family Papers, Massachusetts Historical Society.
1 Capt. Christopher Miller's June 1 memorial to Congress - explaining that he was sailing for London to take command of a New York-built ship "Called the Governor Clinton" and requesting that he be granted letters of credence "As a Protection upon his lawfull Enterprize As the Said Ship belongs to Subjects of the United States" - was referred that day to John Laurance, David Howell and Rufus King who reported June 2. The committee recommended that a "sea letter" be granted for the Governor Clinton in the same form as that drawn up in January 1784 for Capt. John Green, master of the Empress of China since Miller was "bound on a voyage, in the course of which a Sea letter may be useful." See JCC, 26:58 - 59, 28:416; and PCC, item 41, 6:405 - 6, item 190, fol. 43. See also Charles Thomson to Samuel Elbert, June 2, note 2.