determined, and I must further hope and request, that the payment of whatever sum Congress shall please to allow me may be ordered to me in Europe. I have only to solicit, Gentlemen, your kind intercession that this business may be brought to as quick a decision as possible, in which you will confer a singular obligation on him, who has the honor to be, with the highest esteem, respect, and consideration, Gentlemen, your most obedient and obliged humble servant, WILLIAM LEE. [60] Both missing. [61] “_August 6th, 1779_, Resolved, that an allowance of 11,428 livres tournois per annum be made to the several Commissioners of the United States in Europe for their services, besides their reasonable expenses respectively; “That the salary, as well as the expenses, be computed from the time of their leaving their places of abode to enter on the duties of their offices, to be continued three months after notice of their recall, to enable them to repair to their families respectively.” JAMES LOVELL TO WILLIAM LEE. Philadelphia, September 20th, 1781. Sir, The decision of Congress respecting your letter of April 12th, which came to hand only the 4th of this month, is herewith transmitted. The period of payment will perhaps be more distant than you wish; but I am at liberty to assure you from the Superintendent of our Finances, that it is his intention to take the earliest possible opportunity to close this business.[62] With much regard, I am, &c. JAMES LOVELL, _For the Committee of Foreign Affairs_. [62] “_September 12th, 1781._ The committee to whom was referred a letter of the 12th of April last from Mr William Lee, report, “That upon principles admitted by Congress in the settlement of an account similar to that transmitted by Mr Lee, there appears to be due to him a balance of 42,189 livres tournois; whereupon, “_Ordered_, That the account be referred to the Superintendent of Finance, to take order for payment of the balance, with interest, at the rate of six per cent per annum from this day, as soon as the state of the public finances will admit.” TO THE SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS. Brussels, March 31st, 1782. Sir, Although I have not the honor of a personal acquaintance with you, yet I trust that this letter being on subjects which concern the interests of our country in general, I shall not stand in need of any apology for writing it.