As I find I have given great Offence to the honble Mr Izard & perhaps to the honble Mr Wm Lee by refusing my Assent to the Payment of their Late Drafts on the Commissioners; & as considering my Age it is probable I may never have an Opportunity in Person of explaining my Conduct in that Business to the Congress, and it may be subject to great Misrepresentation,— I think it right to put the Facts & Reasons down in Writing while they are fresh upon my Memory, for the future Consideration & Judgment of that respectable Body.—

In February 1778. the Commissioners receiv’d from Mr Wm. Lee, the following Letter viz.