To Dumas
ALS: Massachusetts Historical Society
Passy. Dec. 7. 1778.
Dear Sir,

I thank you for the Information you give me of Mr. Lee’s Proposition. I do not think he has any Powers to borrow Money for the United States distinct from ours but he may have Power to borrow for Virginia. I think you acted very discretely in the Business; and I am sorry that such a Proposition should be made, as, if known it might have bad Consequences. And as we have already opened a Loan in the House of H.F. & Co. it seems quite unnecessary to open another in the same Country, & I hope it will not be necessary to borrow in any other.— Between our selves, I believe Mr. L. who seems not well-pleased with that House, wanted to know if Money would not be had and the Business transacted on cheaper Terms. I am, ever, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant

B Franklin

a Mr Dumas
[In the margin:] Thanks be to God, our Salvation by no means depends on such an Aid from Holland.
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