l prefer, or to submit my
accounts to the examination of Mr Barclay alone, provided that he be
empowered to take the opinion of disinterested persons on the spot, as
to any dubious or uncertain articles, and to make a final close of the
affair.

You will, by exerting your interest to bring this affair to a
settlement, do, as I conceive, material service to the public, and
certainly lay the utmost obligations on one, who has the honor to be,
with great respect and esteem, &c.[23]

SILAS DEANE.

FOOTNOTES:

[23] In addition to articles in the newspapers, Mr Deane wrote a
pamphlet, vindicating himself from the charges that were brought
against him, chiefly by Mr Arthur Lee, in two publications, and in his
letters to Congress. This pamphlet was dated London, August 10th,
1783, and entitled, "_An Address to the United States of North
America; to which is added, a Letter to the Honorable Robert Morris,
with notes and observations._" This address was printed in England and
the United States.

THE

CORRESPONDENCE

OF THE

COMMISSIONERS

FROM THE UNITED STATES TO THE COURT OF FRANCE.

Commissioners were appointed by Congress, for transacting the business
of the United States at the Court of France, on the 26th of September,
1776. The persons chosen were Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane, and
Thomas Jefferson. On the 22d of October, Arthur Lee was elected in the
place of Mr Jefferson, who declined accepting the appointment. These
three commissioners met in Paris about the middle of December, where
they continued to reside, chiefly employed in procuring military
supplies and money for the United States, till they signed the treaty
of alliance, February 6th, 1778. They were presented to the king, as
representatives of an independent State, on the 20th of March. Silas
Deane being recalled, John Adams was elected to supply his place,
November 28th, 1777. Dr Franklin was appointed Minister
Plenipotentiary to the Court of France, September 14th, 1778, at which
time the Commission was dissolved.

THE

CORRESPONDENCE

OF THE

COMMISSIONERS

AT THE COURT OF FRANCE.

* * * * *

FROM THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN,
SILAS DEANE, AND ARTHUR LEE, COMMISSIONERS AT PARIS.[24]

Baltimore, 21st December, 1776.

Gentlemen,

After expres