William Lee to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Frankfurt-on-Main, December 9, 1778: Conformable to the
enclosed Congressional resolution, I have drawn on you for
24,000 l.t. payable to Mr. Grand. Please accept it when it
comes due and place it to the account of Congress.
It is generally believed a congress will be held this winter
by the French and Russian ministers to attempt a reconciliation
between the emperor and the king of Prussia. I am assured
the British have prevailed on the Russian court to take
advantage of this opportunity to negotiate an accommodation
between Britain and France. It is to be proposed to France
that she relinquish her treaties and engagements with America,
but I have not learned what inducements Britain will offer
her. I have no doubt France will reject such an ignominious
attempt on her honor even if her interests were not considered,
but I thought it advisable to give you this information.>
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