Lot 43
JOHN ADAMS AS COMMISSIONER TO THE COURT OF FRANCE WRITES TO ARTHUR LEE, HIS FELLOW COMMISSIONER. Letters written by Adams as Commissioner are increasingly scarce. Text of letter is slightly faded but Adams' signature is quite bold. Center fold strengthened, small paper loss on each page at center fold (repaired) which affects only two words. 2nd President of the United States, 1797-1801.
Manuscript Letter Signed. Two pages, Folio, Passy, France, February 12, 1779. At the time this letter was written, John Adams, Ben Franklin and Arthur Lee were serving as Commissioners to the Court of France. Adams had been appointed by Congress to supersede Silas Deane as Commissioner in late 1777. He set sail February 12, 1778, and arrived at Paris on April 8, 1778. Long before his arrival the alliance with France had been consummated; he found, however, a wretched state of affairs in Paris -- our three Commissioners at each others throats, while the public accounts were being reported in the laxest manner. During Lee's residence in Paris, he had been involved in bitter arguments with his fellow Commissioners and was connected with the unjust charges against Silas Deane which led to Deane's virtual exile (it wasn't until Beaumarchais' papers were discovered in a Paris garret in 1857 that Deane's conduct was explained). Lee exhibited at best a morbidly suspicious and quarrelsome disposition. By the autumn of 1779 his attacks on Franklin had become so virulent and his conduct in general so troublesome, that he was recalled by Congress, following Adams' recommendation that only one Commissioner should represent the United States at the Frech Court. Lee was sent to Madrid; Franklin retained in Paris; and Adams, left without any instructions, returned to America, reaching Boston on August 2, 1779.
Upon John Adams' arrival in Paris, he methodically and conscientiously organized and regimented policies and procedures. Here, he instructs Arthur Lee to assist a Mr. Pringle in arranging meetings with various individuals that Lee knows. Written in the hand of William T. Franklin, the letter reads in full:
"Sir We duly received the Letter which you did us the honor of writing on the 9th of Feb. accompany'd with a Letter from Mr. Pringle; herewith you have the Draught of an answer to that Gentleman, which you are requested if you approve of it to subscribe & forward. As Mr. Lee is better aquainted with those Persons & Offices to which Mr. Pringle must apply; it is requested of Mr. Lee to make a Draught of Instructions, for Mr. Pringle; which Mr. Adams will subscribe if he approves them, as he doubts not he shall. I have the honor to be with the greatest Consideration & Respect Sir, Your most obed't humble servant John Adams.".
Estimated Value $3,500 - 5,000.
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