Account of the robbery of the papers of Arthur Lee, American agent at Berlin, June 26, 1777 - July 5, 1777

Mss.973.3.Ac2

Date: June 26, 1777 - July 5, 1977 | Size: 1 volume(s), 1 volume, 44 p.
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Abstract

The proceedings before the criminal judge, of the Government of Prussia, in relation to the robbery of Lee's official papers, while Minister at that court in the time of Frederick the Great (as described in letter from Richard Henry Lee to Dr. Mease, 1826 May 31).

Background note

Arthur Lee was a physician, lawyer, and diplomat. He was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 1768.

Collection Information

Physical description

1 volume, 44 p.

Provenance

Presented by Richard H. Lee and accessioned, 1826 (1826 50519).

General note

This episode is described in Lee, Richard H., "Life of Arthur Lee" (Boston, 1829), 1 : 96.

Early American History Note

Arthur Lee served as the American agent in Berlin, where he represented U.S. interests to the court of the King of Prussia, Frederick. The collection consists of a series of documents relating to the robbery of Arthur Lee's papers in Berlin, most likely by an English agent. The documents are in both German and French. The documents include depositions and interviews that cast the blame for the theft on an English agent and a servant. Information on this event can be found in the Franklin Papers and The Life of Arthur Lee.

Indexing Terms


Genre(s)

  • Diplomatic Material
  • Proceedings.

Geographic Name(s)

  • Prussia (Germany) -- Politics and government -- 1740-1786.

Subject(s)

  • American Revolution
  • Criminal law.
  • Diplomatic History