John Penn to John Jay, 27 August 1779

Col o . Pendletons Sep t . [August] 27 th . 1779 1

Dear Sir

I am thus far on my way home, I got to Annapolis as soon as Doctor Burke & M r . Randolp, 2 I have the pleasure to tell you that I never saw such a prospect for Corn as the present crop, it is thought that there will be much more made than has been for many years past.

M r . William Lee 3 has directed his Brother to pay all the Gentleman in Virginia to whom he was indebted for Tob o . shipped to him at the rate of 33 1/3 per Cent. Col o . Mason has a Bill protested for about £1000, all M r . Lee–€™s shifts, his hiding himself to prevent being seen, and the manner in which the French Gentlemen pursued him, the questions put to Lee–€™s Servants their answers, and the assistance they gave in having him discovered are mentioned at length in the protest, When Lee could retreat no farther he denied he was the man; he directly went to Nantz & wrote Col o . Mason that he had directed his Brother to pay him, but antedates his letter three or four months, This M r . Mason says he can prove. The above is what I have been told by several Gentleman that have conversed with M r . Mason & has seen the papers. Some thing ought to be done relative to this Man, if the above is true & no body here doubts it, M r . Lee ought not to be employed any longer in the service of the United States

If my prayers or wishes are of any consequence, you are restored to health long before this; pray Remember me to Sir James, Col o . Livingston, M rs . Jay, and Lady Kitty and believe me to be with great truth Your sincere Friend &c.

J. Penn

John Jay Esq r .