Note 41 — THE CORRESPONDENCE OF ARTHUR LEE, (continued 4)
Reading edition
When Mr Deane’s address reached Paris, Mr Lee ascertained that it was intended to be published in the Courier de l’Europe, and he wrote to Count de Vergennes requesting him to order it to be suppressed. The following answer was returned.
Versailles, February 9th, 1779.
Sir,
I received the letter, which you did me the honor of writing to me the 7th instant. I had no knowledge of the writing it mentioned, and yesterday I was about taking measures that it should not be inserted in the Courier de l’Europe, just as that paper was sent to me, wherein I found the writing in question, so that it was out of my power to second your wishes. Do not doubt, Sir, of the regret I experience on account of this disappointment.
I have the honor to be, &c.
DE VERGENNES.