York the 15th of Novr. 1777
Dear Sir,
The Bearer of this, Capt. Romane is a Gentleman of Monsr. Coudrays corps who arrived here lately from Charles Town and is now returning by the way of Boston to France with his companions This young Gentleman is Nephew to General Grebouval Commander of the French Artillery, and he is a modest well behaved youth. At his request I willingly introduce him to you, and I am sure that from personal, as well as political considerations, you will render Capt. Romane's stay in Boston as agreeable to him as possible. This gentleman had once determined to pass the winter at Annapolis in order to learn the English language, but his Countrymen, it seems, have persuaded him to return with them to France. Their design, we understand, for so doing, is to fortify themselves with interest and numbers, in order to give greater weight to their representations of ill usage in America. I am much dissatisfied my dear friend with this whole business, because I apprehend pernicious consequences will result to our Country and its cause from the complaints of these gentlemen, who are of consideration in France and well supported there. I have endeavored to avert this mischief by every means in my power, and I think it will conduce to this end if the Gentlemen of Boston were to treat these Officers with attention and make their stay in Boston agreeable as possible. Our affairs about Philadelphia are in Statu quo, but how long they will continue so I do not know, because we learn that a fleet from New York has arrived in the Delaware with reenforcements to Howe. We have at length finished the Confederation and shall send it to the different States in a few days with strong exortation to give it quick consideration and speedy return.
1
Taxation, Finance, and recruiting the Army will also be strongly recommended. Your utmost aid will no doubt be cordially applied to the expediting these important points.
My health groes worse and will, I fear, compel me soon to return home.
My compliments to Mr. J. Adams. Affectionately yours,
Richard Henry Lee
Receiver's copy, New York Public Library. Printed in James Curtis Ballagh, The Letters of Richard Henry Lee, Volume 1, 1762 - 1778, pp. 348 - 49.
1 Congress approved the Articles of Confederation this day and ordered 300 copies to be printed. Two days later it also approved a circular letter of transmittal to the states, but printed texts of the Articles were not available for submission to the states until almost the end of November. See JCC, 9:907 - 28, 932 - 35; and William Williams to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 28 November 1777.