New York July 20th. 1785
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose an Act of Congress that has been prompted by the daily interruption given to their discussions by the almost unceasing noise of passing Carriages.1 Your long acquaintance with public business and your wish to see it discharged with propriety and dispatch, will secure your approbation of the proposed remedy if it shall be found to consist with the police of the City.
I have the Honor to be, with sentiments of esteem and regard, Sir, Your most Obedient and very humble Servant,
Richard Henry Lee. P.
Receiver's copy, James Duane Papers, New York Historical Society.
1 President Lee was addressing Duane in his capacity as mayor of the city of New York. For the enclosed July 20 congressional order directing Lee to request the placing of chains across the streets to lessen street noise while Congress was in session, see JCC, 29:561. For Duane's July 21 response and act of council granting permission for drawing chains "across the Streets from the North East, South East & South West corners of City Hall, to prevent the noise of passing Carriages, during their daily Session," see PCC, item 123, fol. 23; and JCC, 29:571n.