George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 22 Aug. 1785

“The currt of my information from France is, that the dispute between the Emperor & Holland will be accomodated without bloodshed: but after the explicit declarations which have been made on both sides, I do not see how either (especially the first) can recede from his claims. To save appearances, & to let the contending parties down handsomely, say some of my letters, is now the greatest difficulty. but all agree that, a spark may set the whole in flames. indeed Bavaria it is expected will yet do that….”

Original manuscript images of Washington’s letter to Lee at the Library of Congress: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3