Lee, Arthur, 1740-1792 to unknown
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06539 Author/Creator: Lee, Arthur, 1740-1792 Place Written: Princeton, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 July 1783 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; Height: 31.9 cm, Width: 20.3 cm Order a Copy
Written by Lee as a Continental Congressman from Virginia to an unknown recipient, possibly William Whipple. Shows Lee's distrustful, suspicious, and hostile personality. Wishes he would have been in Philadelphia when recipient was there. In reference to the treaty of Paris, which wouldn't be signed until 3 September 1783, "We have happily reached the goal of a great & doubtful contest; & our efforts have been crowned with liberty & glory." Writes that he is glad Congress has moved from Philadelphia to get away from the "crafty, corrupting, & rapacious man" - a reference to financier Robert Morris. Lee was an opponent of the supporters of a strong national government and a commercial economy. Claims the people are not reading the journals of Congress or they would not believe the concentration of power among such corrupt people. Claims their regard for the Revolution is questionable and their love of money is unbounded. Fears a corrupt cabal in Congress. Says "the modern mode of enslaving the people, is not force, but influence." Goes on to register his suspicious England and King George III. Worries about Loyalists refugees and fears they might a thorn in America's side.
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