Sender: James Lovell
Recipient: Richard Henry Lee

Dear Sir

Yr Favr. of Novr. 30th¹ reached me too late on
Tuesday the 14th to permit a Line in Return. I now find what you asked
for and some french Vouchers intended originally for You. I add some
Letters recd. last Evening.

I am now to surprise you more than heretofore by telling that Thursday last
being fixed upon for the Election of a Secretary to Doctr. Franklin or
rather the Embassy which Lt. Col. Laurens had not accepted, the Day
passed without even a Nomination. But Yesterday Mr. Mathews named G
Morris who is making all Smooth to obtain it. I had intended to name
Col. Hamilton. Ellery however was beforehand & put me up. I pursued
my Intention & Mr. Plater named a Col Steuart of Maryland. I
mentioned to Congress that I should not as some time ago desire my name
to be withdrawn as I had not the Opinion of a Self denying Ordinance
which I then had, and was fortified in my Change of Sentiments by the
late Proceedings of Congress. I declared that my Wish was not implyd
but my meer Consent if the Ballots should not happily be general for
another. I am pained at my present
Situation.²

You must be free in yr. Opinion upon this Conduct, let the Event be what it
may.