[29] This letter is directed to Henry Laurens, who had recently been chosen President of Congress. TO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. Chaillot, March 27th, 1778. Dear Sir, In consequence of what you mentioned to me relative to the German Courts, I consulted the Spanish Ambassador, whether it could be determined with any degree of certainty, how long it would be before the business I am pledged for with his Court would require my presence. His answer was, that it was altogether uncertain. In this situation, it appeared to me, that under my present engagements I could not venture to so great a distance. My brother has, therefore, set out on his original plan that was settled at Versailles. Mr Grand has not yet returned me the account completed. The moment I receive it, I will wait upon you to settle the business of the loan bills. I have the honor to be, &c. ARTHUR LEE. TO MESSRS FRANKLIN AND DEANE. March 31st, 1778. Gentlemen, The reports I hear of Mr Deane’s intending soon to leave Paris, oblige me to repeat the request I long ago and repeatedly made, that we should settle the public accounts relating to the expenditure of the money intrusted to us for the public. And this is the more absolutely necessary, as what vouchers there are to enable the Commissioners to make out this account are in Mr Deane’s possession. I therefore wish that the earliest day may be appointed for the settlement of these accounts; which appears to me an indispensable part of our duty to the public and to one another. ARTHUR LEE. JAMES GARDOQUI & CO. TO ARTHUR LEE. Bilboa, April 1st, 1778. You will see by this invoice, that agreeable to what you are pleased to communicate to us in your very esteemed favor of the 6th instant, we have reduced our commission to 3 per cent. But, dear Sir, besides our being allowed 5 per cent by all the American friends we have worked for in the present troublesome times, several of whom have been, and actually are, eye witnesses of our troubles, as those blankets must be collected in the country round about Palencia, and the money must be remitted in specie there long beforehand for the purpose, we are not only obliged to pay the freight thereof and run the risks of it, but also to make good to the persons employed in their collection, their expense and trouble; the whole out of our commission, so that at present we reckon that half of it will be our profit. We are, &c. JAMES GARDOQUI & CO. _Invoice of seventyfive Bales of Merchandise shipped on board the George, Captain Job Knight, for Cape Ann, consigned to Elbridge Gerry, on Account of Arthur Lee._