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Collection Reference Number GLC06539
From Archive Folder Documents Relating to 1783 
Title Arthur Lee to unknown regarding the Treaty of Paris, distrust for the English monarchy, and greedy politicians
Date 23 July 1783
Author Lee, Arthur (1740-1792)  
Document Type Correspondence
Content Description Written by Lee as a Continental Congressman from Virginia to an unknown recipient, possibly William Whipple. Shows Lee's distrustful, suspicious, and hostile personality. Wishes he would have been in Philadelphia when recipient was there. In reference to the treaty of Paris, which wouldn't be signed until 3 September 1783, "We have happily reached the goal of a great & doubtful contest; & our efforts have been crowned with liberty & glory." Writes that he is glad Congress has moved from Philadelphia to get away from the "crafty, corrupting, & rapacious man" - a reference to financier Robert Morris. Lee was an opponent of the supporters of a strong national government and a commercial economy. Claims the people are not reading the journals of Congress or they would not believe the concentration of power among such corrupt people. Claims their regard for the Revolution is questionable and their love of money is unbounded. Fears a corrupt cabal in Congress. Says "the modern mode of enslaving the people, is not force, but influence." Goes on to register his suspicious England and King George III. Worries about Loyalists refugees and fears they might a thorn in America's side.
Subjects Revolutionary War  Military History  Treaty  Peace  Global History and Civics  Foreign Affairs  Continental Congress  Congress  Corruption and Scandal  Finance  Morality and Ethics  Loyalist  Refugees  
People Lee, Arthur (1740-1792)  
Place written Princeton, New Jersey
Theme The American Revolution; Foreign Affairs
Sub-collection The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859
Copyright The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
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