had enough ado to fulfil his commissions through Germany, and
therefore was very open and unaware in my letters to him. It is with
the same concern, I learn just now by a letter of a very worthy
servant of the United States, that his brother Arthur Lee, has
complained against me in a Memorial to Congress, as if I had extolled
Dr Franklin at his expense in the Leyden Gazette. Whoever told him so,
has told him an absolute falsehood. This assertion may perhaps
receive, even in his own mind, additional strength, by my ingenuously
telling him, however, that his being at enmity with Dr Franklin, will
not hinder me to retain still in my bosom a most tender respect and
love for the latter. I am sure he will do the same when dispassionate.

I recommend myself to the protection of Congress, and am with the
deepest respect, &c.

DUMAS.

FOOTNOTES:

[36] See this letter and the Declaration in the _Correspondence of the
Commissioners in France_, Vol. I. pp. 456, 457, 483.

[37] The Explanatory Letter is missing, but a letter from the
Commissioners in relation to the subject of it may be seen as above,
p. 476.

* * * * *

B. FRANKLIN TO C. W. F. DUMAS.

Passy, March 29th, 1780.

Dear Sir,

It is some time since I have written to you, having nothing material
to communicate; but I received duly your letters of February 1st,
18th, 25th, March 2d, 11th, 13th, 17th, and 23d; and thank you for the
intelligence they contain. The last this minute came to hand, and I
shall answer it separately.

I pray you to assure M. ---- of my respect, and that it was only on
one packet for him that I put my name, when I thought to have sent it
by a friend. The baseness of the post-office opening it surprises me.
No other letter for him has since passed through my hands. If any
others come to me for him, I shall send them under cover to you.

I forwarded your letter to Captain Jones. I do not know which of his
English pilots it was, mentioned in yours to ----. I know he has been
generous to an excess with them. Explain to me, if you please, the
fact that is the subject of that letter, and who Mr Gordon is.

I am curious to know what the States will do about the confiscation of
the goods taken in Byland's convoy.

I received your large packets; that for Captain Jones shall be