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 ; 31.9 x 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.
Sir, Princeton July 23d. 1783
At the same time that forward my Brother's letter, I cannot forbear expressing the regret I felt, at being out of Philadelphia when your arrival there, might have given me an opportunity of conversing with a Gentleman, so high in the esteem of my nearest & dearest friends.
We have happily reachd the goal of a great & doubtful contest; & our efforts have been crown'd with liberty & glory. But some difficulties remain, yet to be overcome, before we can enjoy in safety the fruits of peace & independence. One of those has compelled Congress to quit Philadelphia the source, in my judgment of all their embarrassmen of the thralldom they are held in, by one crafty, corrupting, & rapacious man, arose much from their residence in Philadelphia, & if any thing can rescue the finances of America from being converted to the pride & emolument of one man & his Dependants; [inserted: it must be the residence of Congress far from the influence of that pity] the People of America do not read the journals of Congress, or they woud not conceive if possible that so much power, so many places, & such corrupt patronage coud be vested in one man, whose principles [2] with regard to the Revolution, were at least questionable; & whose passion for power & money is known to be unbounded. The artful manner in which this accumulation of power & emolument has been at various times obtained, will fully prove both the subtlety & insatiableness of this man. Several members of Congress have been made his placemen since my residence in it; & if more appointments are given to Congress, they [strikeout] [inserted: may] be devolved upon the same person, & a corrupt influence establishd in every State. This consideration makes it necessary to be extremely cautious in yeilding such powers, because we know that the modern mode of enslaving the people, is nor force, but influence.
I have very great doubts of the good policy of expressing such an unforgiving spirit with regard to the Refugees. Because I think it will most effectually answer their purposes & those of our worst Enemy the King of England For in proportion to our persecution of them with the compassion of the English be excited towards them, & a more ample provision obtained, and the more will it people a neibouring Colony with men inderd a thousand times more inveterate against us, by the enmity we declare against them. I cannot therefore think it wise, especially, in the Eastern States, to enable the [3] british King to plant a Colony which will always be a thorn, I may eventually prove a poisoned arrow for our distruction. It is certain the Refugees deserve no favor from us, and it is for that reason that I see with concern such measures taken, as, I think must especially operate in their favor, & by combining them together in one common cause Institution, increase their strength & immortalize their enmity.
With very great esteem, I have the
honor to be, sir, your most
obedt. Servt.
Arthur Lee
[docket]
Arthur Lee Esqr
answered 1783
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