The terrible Ideas form'd of the Mellasses Article as express'd

in your Letter

quote the passages

express'd by Mr. Arthur Lee

by Mr. W. Lee

Give the History of it

In the Congress Treaty

Preamble proposes the Principle of Reciprocity

Ministers proposed that on our side Tobacco should not be

taxed on Export.

Mr. Lee objected to this on Behalf of the Tobacco Colonies.

I propos'd the General Clause

My Reasons.

As affecting the Colonies more equally so less liable to Ob-

jections. Reasons.

As I have always been against such Duties and think them

of no Use.

Yet I offer'd to join. Mr. Lee agreed to this.

But finding that such terrible Ideas—

I was willing to strike both out

Wrote so to Ministry

Their Answer

Answer Mr. Iz.'s Arguments

French may lay Duties on their European Exports—no Check

Can we not then lay Duties on their Imports?

Not the least Probability. Interfere with Brandy.

If they wish us to take their Brandy may it not be their Interest

to discourage our making Rum? Why might they not chuse

to have that Manufacture themselves? And sell us the Rum

instead of the Mellasses; they may indeed yet do it.

Contrary to the Principles of the Treaty, Instructions, &c.

Not a Word—&c. Insincere

2d Letter—Extraordinary Inattention.

My Practice.

The only Gentleman I have visited for 50 Years

His Distance

Much Business

Many Visitors

Many Letters

all devour my time.

Poor Understanding was the favourable Construction.

Differences prevailing

Thanks for his Endeavours

Did not expect that having prevailed on that Gentle-

man to be more reasonable he would have taken

his place

Exacted Respect of no Value

Respect a voluntary Thing