Arthur Lee to Benjamin Franklin, August 14, 1779

Paris August 14th. 1779

Sir,

A decent time having now elaps’d, since the declaration of his Catholic Majesty against the King of great Britain; it seems proper to apply to the spanish Court, to know whether they are inclind to enter into the Alliance, which Congress have agreed to. 7 At the same time it appears to me, that to ask Count de Vergennes’s opinion of such a step, before I take it, 8 woud be an agreable & useful mark of confidence in this Court.

But as I think, such an application cannot with propriety be made to his Excellency by any one but you as Minister here, I must beg you, Sir, to take the trouble of consulting Count Vergennes, both upon the propriety & manner of my applying upon this subject to the Court of Spain; & that you will have the goodness to communicate to me his opinion. I woud very willingly apply myself, were I not persuaded that it woud be a trespass against the deference due to your situation; and that an observance of this order in our proceedings, will contribute to the attainment of the public object I have in view.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, Yr. most Obedt. Humb Servt.

Arthur Lee

The Honble. Dr. B. Franklin Minister Plenipotentiary of the U.S. of America