Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Virginia (1732–1794). Lee served as President of the Continental Congress, yet opposed the Constitution because it lacked a bill of rights. He served in the Senate and resigned after the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution. Revolutionary War-dated ALS, four pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 10, September 27, 1779. Letter to an unidentified gentleman reads, in full, “I am much obliged to you for your favor of the 10th which I found here on my return from Williamsburg, in which journey both gout and rheumatism have invalid me, brought on I conjecture by the extreme severity of the weather thru which I travelled. This circumstance may delay my immediate return to Congress but I shall surely do so as soon as my health permits and the rigor of the season abates. I wish to aid the friends of America against the Arts of all its enemies, covered or uncovered, and continue as I have uniformly done, to give the…to every libel by an invariable pursuit of American interests and independence. To those who know me, I think Mr. Deane might as well have attempted to innuendo men into a belief that a Miser had combined with a Thief to rob himself of his gold, as I join with English Emissaries against our best friend. But I will nevertheless insist on the fair settlement of Mr. Deane’s accounts. I am not surprised at the attack upon our friend Mr. Adams. He is as deeply guilty as myself in pressing the cause of America supporting its true friends, and hunting its enemies. Judge McKean too I hear has received some attacks. He is guilty of the same heinous crime with Mr. Adams & myself. I am prevented from receiving all the benefits I might from your letter because I have not received one newspaper from Philadelphia since I left that City. The very tall…you mention will ruin America if he is not closely watched, It is necessary to search the remotest consequences that can flow from all he says and does; and after all there will be more safety in rejecting than adopting his measures. Ruins must follow, if you finish not our finance and foreign affairs. Choose good men to represent us abroad, I care not who they are, and support them against wicked faction when they serve you with real honesty and ability. But what must be the fate of America, if such men are left a prey to the arts and avarice of the wicked, and their calumniated characters unsupported? Our assembly has agreed to join the other States and give their proper portions of lands for the Soldiers to those States which have no back lands - To quicken Confederations, and this I hope will induce Delaware to join - Jersey I understand has done so already - Let them 12 Confederate - Time & coolness will bring in the thirteenth - The common key for our private correspondence will explain the paragraphs in Dr. Lees letter sent by you to me - They are this ‘It has been hinted to me that there will be two important subjects of negotiations with the Spanish Court, upon which I beg to have the Orders of Congress’ 1st ‘Providing the Spanish Navy with the Masts of a stipulated and as reasonable a price as possible.’ 2dly The cession of Florida, should it be conquered by them.’ ‘For this they would stipulate whenever peace is concluded to finish the fund for sinking all or great part of the paper.’ I cannot presume to proceed at all on these propositions without express instructions. In the meantime what further lights I can obtain shall be communicated immediately.’ I have the honor to now sire, let every friend to America determine whether an immediate answer to these propositions should not be sent away, either to Dr. Lee or some other person, if he is recalled. For most surely this winter, or early in the Spring, will the settlement of Europe take place, and we perhaps, be ruined because we are not provided with representatives or they not instructed when they pray for directions on momentous points. The community ought not to be ruined for the sake of disagreements of its able and honest servants - Yet some so do this. My respects to Mr. Adams and tell him our Assembly have devised a system (for the establishment of public schools and thereby diffusing knowledge), the wisest and best that I believe was ever before devised. Jefferson is the Father of it - I will bring it or send it to him - When once this system has taken place & produced its natural effects, the internal & external independence of Virginia will rest on the…Basis - Universal depravity may destroy it but folly cannot.” Both pages have been professionally silked and the second page has been professionally inlaid to a slightly larger sheet. In fine condition, with light show-through from boldly penned text on opposite sides and a mild shade of toning. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
