TO MR. JOHN ROSS.
Passy, April 13th, 1778.
Sir,
The papers you mention are in the disposition of Mr William Lee, who is gone to Germany. It is therefore not in our power to comply with what you desire. Neither are we able to make you any further advances. We wish you would send us, with all convenient expedition, copies of the invoices and bills of lading for those goods, which were paid for with the money we formerly furnished you. We do not think it within our province to make an entire settlement with you. The money in Mr Schweighauser's hands, which you say is under the direction and order of Mr R. Morris, ought to be disposed of according to those orders. The trade being now free from this country, it seems improper to us to give the passports you ask.
We are, Sir, your most obedient servants,
B. FRANKLIN,
ARTHUR LEE,
JOHN ADAMS.
P. S. Mr William Lee is at Frankfort, where a letter from you may possibly find him, but his stay there is very uncertain.