Benjamin Franklin to Arthur Lee, March 17, 1778

Passy, March 17. 1778.

Dear Sir,

One of the Messrs: Beaumarin’s of Bourdeaux some time since told me they intended to send a Packet every Month to America, on their own Account, they having great Concerns there. He offer’d indeed to carry our Dispatches; 1 but as at this Distance we could not know the Captains, nor the Degree of Confidence that might be placed in them, and having other Conveyances, I have not yet seen Occasion to make 2 use of that Offer. These are the Packets I mentioned to the Gentleman, as likely to afford him the Convenience of a Passage; and he understood more than I said to him, when he imagined there was “a Packet to sail soon with our Dispatches.” I know of no such thing proposed; and certainly if it had been proposed by me or with my knowledge, I should have acquainted you with it.

A Gentleman lately arrived from Boston, has presented for Acceptance Bills drawn on us by Mr. Hancock as President of the Congress for about 180,000 Livres. I have also received a Letter mentioning that other Bills are drawn on us by Mr. Lawrence the present President, of which an Account is promised in a future Letter, this not giving the Amount, but only directing us to accept them when they appear. 3 The 180,000 Livres is an old Debt contracted by our Army in Canada, and not for Interest of Money. 4 What the others are I know not; and I cannot conceive what Encouragement the Congress could have had from any of us, to draw on us for any thing but that Interest. I suppose their Difficulties have compelled them to it. I see we shall be distress’d here by these Proceedings; and I want to consult with you about the means of Paying the Bills. If you will name an hour when you shall be at leisure to Day, I will call upon you. 5 I have the honour to be with great Respect Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant

B Franklin

Honble A. Lee Esqr.