My Dear Sir: In great haste I write you a few lines to cover the enclosed, 68 they came in the manner you see them, and as explained in Captain Langdon's letter to me. I hesitated some time in determining whether I could, with propriety, select them from the rest, considering in what manner they came to my hands; but as there are some things in each which may serve to irritate, I concluded it best to send not only the one directed to you, but the other also, (to Doctor Franklin) under cover to you, as you may communicate and secrete such parts as you like. I have no time to add the necessity of vigorous exertions; they are too obvious to need any stimulus from me. Adieu, my dear Sir. 69
[Note:These inclosures were letters brought by George Merchant, captured at Quebec and taken a prisoner to England. He had escaped and reported to John Langdon, who forwarded the papers Merchant brought to Washington. These letters included two from Arthur Lee, dated February 13 and 14, which Burnett, in Letters of Members of the Continental Congress, calls mysterious. Merchant had brought copies of the treaties with the German princes. (See following letter of Washington to the President of Congress.) ]
[Note:Text is from Memoirs of the Lite of Richard Henry Lee and His Correspondence. ]
P.S. Upon second thought, knowing that Doctor Franklin is in Canada, I send you a copy only of a letter to him, (which I take to be from Doctor Lee) and the original to the Doctor.