![LEE, Richard Henry, Signer (Virginia). Autograph letter signed ("Richard Henry Lee") to General William Whipple, "Member of Congress, Philadelphia"; Chantilly, [Va.], 4 September 1779. 2¼ pages, 4to, 235 x 190mm. (96 x 76in.), address panel on page four, partial red wax seal, docketed "Col. Lee." Fine.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/1998/NYP/1998_NYP_09012_0098_000(112942).jpg?w=1)
細節
LEE, Richard Henry, Signer (Virginia). Autograph letter signed ("Richard Henry Lee") to General William Whipple, "Member of Congress, Philadelphia"; Chantilly, [Va.], 4 September 1779. 2¼ pages, 4to, 235 x 190mm. (96 x 76in.), address panel on page four, partial red wax seal, docketed "Col. Lee." Fine.
LEE ON THE SILAS DEANE CONTROVERSY AND APPLAUDING THE NEW NAVY
A fine, very warm letter to Whipple, a friend in the Continental Congress, railing against Silas Deane, recently returned from Paris. Deane's controversy over Congressional funds, with Arthur Lee, carried on in the halls of Congress, had sharply divided the delegates. Lee's "health...is well restored, and my spirit not a little enlivened by the discomfiture of those wicked ones whose detestable acts have prevailed much too long for the interest of the cause which we have labored so much to promote and to secure. I believe the Confederacy's freight will be a very guilty one..." Probably referring to John Adams and John Jay's mission to Spain, he notes that "I think the companion of Mr. Adams [John Jay?] to be the very worthy man he describes him, and such an one as well honor his Country..." But how, he asks, "will the honor of Congress stand if they suffer that wicked insulter and injurer of America -- Silas Deane, to go off uncensored." In Deane's report to Congress, that body's silence is "construed into approbation of his conduct," and "this idea will be pushed thro' the world," to the "indelible dishonor and disgrace of Congress. Yet it is most certain that upon the estimation [reputation] with which Mankind regard Congress does the future interest and success of the United States most emphatically depend." A "wise and very firm friend" is required to negotiate with European powers, "upon the principle that it is the interest of every European power to weaken us and strengthen themselves." He goes on at length about the Deane controversy, attacks "the wickedness of faction," and adds that Arthur Lee is to return "as soon as the Treaty with Spain is accomplished." In closing, he expresses jubilation that "our little fleet [the Continental Navy] has fallen in successfully with the [British] Jamaica fleet. I am always rejoiced to hear that our Navy is fortunate..."
LEE ON THE SILAS DEANE CONTROVERSY AND APPLAUDING THE NEW NAVY
A fine, very warm letter to Whipple, a friend in the Continental Congress, railing against Silas Deane, recently returned from Paris. Deane's controversy over Congressional funds, with Arthur Lee, carried on in the halls of Congress, had sharply divided the delegates. Lee's "health...is well restored, and my spirit not a little enlivened by the discomfiture of those wicked ones whose detestable acts have prevailed much too long for the interest of the cause which we have labored so much to promote and to secure. I believe the Confederacy's freight will be a very guilty one..." Probably referring to John Adams and John Jay's mission to Spain, he notes that "I think the companion of Mr. Adams [John Jay?] to be the very worthy man he describes him, and such an one as well honor his Country..." But how, he asks, "will the honor of Congress stand if they suffer that wicked insulter and injurer of America -- Silas Deane, to go off uncensored." In Deane's report to Congress, that body's silence is "construed into approbation of his conduct," and "this idea will be pushed thro' the world," to the "indelible dishonor and disgrace of Congress. Yet it is most certain that upon the estimation [reputation] with which Mankind regard Congress does the future interest and success of the United States most emphatically depend." A "wise and very firm friend" is required to negotiate with European powers, "upon the principle that it is the interest of every European power to weaken us and strengthen themselves." He goes on at length about the Deane controversy, attacks "the wickedness of faction," and adds that Arthur Lee is to return "as soon as the Treaty with Spain is accomplished." In closing, he expresses jubilation that "our little fleet [the Continental Navy] has fallen in successfully with the [British] Jamaica fleet. I am always rejoiced to hear that our Navy is fortunate..."