Arthur Lee (diplomat)

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Arthur Lee (1740-1792), was an American diplomat during the American Revolutionary War. He was the son of Thomas Lee and Hannah Harrison Ludwell. His brothers, William, Richard, and Francis Lightfoot Lee were also Revolutionary-era diplomats.

He was trained as a doctor, but later decided to study law. During the war he was sent as envoy of the Continental Congress to Spain and Prussia to gain support, but was unsuccessful in his endeavours.

Later in Paris he fell out with Benjamin Franklin and Silas Deane. He persuaded Congress to recall Deane to America, but was himself recalled afterward.

Virginia sent Lee as a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1782.

Arthur Lee built and lived in "Landsdowne" a large home which still stands in Urbanna, Virginia, a small waterfront town in Virginia's MIddle Peninsula. It is presently a private residence. Dr. Lee is buried in a small family graveyard adjacent to his home.