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OFFICERS  OF THE  SOCIETY, 1873.
PRESIDENT,
FREDERIC DE PEYSTER, LL.D.
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT,
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SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT,
JAMES W. BEEKMAN.
FOREIGN CORRESPONDING SECRETARY,
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EVERT A. DUYCKINCK.
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THE LEE PAPERS.
VOL. II.
1776-1778.








THE LEE  PAPERS.
To PATRICK HIENRY.
Williamsburg, May 7th, 1776.
DEAR SIR,
If I had not the highest opinion of your Candour
and liberal way of thinking, I should not venture to address myself to you, and if I was not equally perswaded
of the great weight and influence, which the transcendent abilities you possess, must naturally confer, I should
not give myself the trouble of writing, nor you the
trouble of reading this long letter. Since our conversation yesterday, my thoughts have been solely employed,
on the great question, whether independence ought, or
ought not to be immediately declared? Having weigh'd
the arguments on both sides, I am clearly of opinion,
that we must (as we value the liberties of America, or
even her existence) without a monients delay declare
for Independence. If my reasons appear weak you will
excuse'em, for the disinterestedness of the Author; as
I may venture to affirnm that no man on this Continent
will sacrifice more than myself by the separation-But
if I have the good fortune to offer any arguments which
have escaped your acute understanding and they should
make the desired impression I shall think I have render'd
the greatest service to the Community. The objection
you made yesterday (if I understood you right) to an
immediate declaration, was by many degrees the most
specious (indeed it was the only tolerable one) that I
have yet heard  you say (and with great justice) that
we ought previously to have felt the pulse of France and
VOL. II.-i




2                THE LEE PA.PERS.
Spain —I more than believe, I am almost confident that
it has been done-at least I can ascertain upon recollection that some of the Committee of Secrecy have assured
me, that the sentiments of both these Courts or- their
Agents had been sounded, and were found to be as
favorable as could be wished. But admitting that we
are utter strangers to their sentiments of the subject,
and that we run some risk of this Declaration's being
coldly received by these'powers, such is our situation,
that the risque must be ventur'd.  On one side there
are the most probable chances of our success, founded
on the certain advantages which must manifest themselves to French understandings by a treaty of Alliance
with America. The strength and weakness, the poverty
& opulence of every state are estimated in the scale of
comparison with her immediate Rival; the superior
commerce and marine force of England, were evidently
established on the monopoly of her American tradeThe inferiority of France, in these two capital points,
had its source, consequently from the same origin; any
deduction of this monopoly, must bring down her Rival
in proportion to the deduction, as the total annihilation
of this Commerce, must reduce her to an inferiority, or
perhaps total subjection. The French are & always
have been sensible of these great truths. Your idea
that they may be diverted from a line of policy which
ensures'em such immense and permanent advantages,
by an offer of partition from Great Britain, appears to
me, if you will excuse the term, an absolute Chimera.
They must be wretched politicians indeed, if they wou'd
prefer the uncertain acquisition, and the precarious expensive possession of one or two provinces to the greater
part of the Commerce of the whole besides were not
the advantages from the latter so manifestly greater
than those that would accrue from the imagin'd partition Scheme. It is notorious, that acquisition of Territory or even Colonial possessions which require either
men or money to retain, are entirely repugnant to the
spirit and principles of the present French Court; it is




TIE LEE PAPERS.                  3
so repugnant indeed, that it is most certain, they have
lately entertain'd thoughts of abandoning their West
India Islands, le commrnerce et le iconomrie are the cry
down froln the king to the lowest Minister, from these
considerations, I am myself convinced, that they will
immediately and essentially assist us, if Independence
is declared.  But allowing' that there can be no tertainty, but mere bare chances in our favor, I do insist
upon it that these chances render it your duty to adopt
the measure, as by procrastination our ruin is inevitble; should it now be determined to wait the result
of a previous formal negociation with France a whole
year must pass over our heads before we can be acquainted with the result.  In the meantime we are to
struggle through a Campaign without arms, ammunition,
or any one necessary of war-disgrace and defeat will
infallibly ensue; the soldiers and officers will become
so dispirited that they will abandon their Colours and
probably never be perswaded to make another effort.
But there is another consideration still more cogent. I
can assure you, Sir, that the spirit of the people (except
a very few in these lower parts of Virginia whose little
blood has been suck'd out by musketoes) cry out for
this Declaration, the military in particular, men and
officers are outrageous on the subject —and a man of
your excellent discernment need not be toldl, how dangerous it would be in present circumstances to dally
with the spirit, or disappoint the expectations of the
bulk of the People-lmay not despair, anarchy, and
finally submission be the bitter fruits? I am persuaded
firmly that they will, and in this perswasion I most devoutly pray, that you may not imerely recommend, but
positively lay injunctions on your servants in Congress
to embrace a measure necessary to Salvation.  God
Almighty bless you, Sir, and make your Councils whatever they may be,-as beneficial to your Country as your
capacity to serve it is undoubted.
Yours most entirely
CHARLES LEE.




4                 THE LEE PAPERS.
FROM MAJOR JosIAH PARKER.
DFAR GENERAL,
I arrived at this place on Friday Evening after
taking care that all the Houses, Plank, Vessels &c of
the Sheddens, Goodrich's, Jamiesons and Sprowles,
were totally demolished, every day I kept annoying the
Enemy at their breast work, where they twere as busily
engaged as possible in fortifying themselves; indeed
they are now as secure as it is possible for to be, the
Ottel is near it on the East side as she can lay, the
Dunmore on the N.W. and all their Tenders around it,
they have now six pieces mounted which they always
kept playing upon us when near it, without any damage
except one man who receiv'd a Grape shott in his body
which I had cut out and he in a fair way of doing well;
I found it impracticable to do anything therle as the
Enemy wou'd not venture out, I thought after we were
gone perhaps they might; but here I am baulk'd, for
since their train of intelligence is cut off, they expect
the woods are lined with men and they keep close in
their dens, as I have had parties out every day wlich
cannot discover a soul stirring.  All their Merchant
Ships are removed below the Mills, which I think indicates fear of something, I hope the Philadelphia Fleet
If they come, from  their Force, and being so well
manned, 1 think them  certain of victory, as not one of
those ships at:Norfolk are half compleat of men except
the Otter, added to this the number of impress'd Seamen  who would of course turn of our side provided they
saw the glimmering of Victory; in order that you may
inform the Congress, if you think proper I vill give, a
state of the Naval force in Norfolk HIarblour & Hamlpton Road; provided the Roebuck is on shore on Delaware which I am informed she is, from a Capt. Johnson,
a prisoner on parole from  the Fleet and a WToman
which our party picked up yesterday from the Fleet.
If their story is true there only remains the Liverpoole




THE LEE PAPERS.                 5
of 28 9 & 6 pounders in Hampton road, the Otter of
20 six & four pounders, the Wm of six 4 pounders, the
Dunmore of' 14 from 4- to 9 pounders, the Fincastle
Sloop of 10, 4 pounders, & twenty Tenders from two to
six small guns, with about Eighty sail of Merchantmen,
supposed to be worth 1,500,000 ~ currency, indeed
their value to us cannot be ascertained, the immensity
of warlike stores, salt, &c which are articles so hard to
come at, I think deserves the most vigorous push. I
am told that Dunmore is so much alarmed, that without speedy assistance he intends to join Cornwallis who
is arrived at South Carolina and convey all those
valuable effects to the main and grand squaldron of this
Continent. I have sent you enclosed as good a sketch
of Dunmore's lines, the Harbours branches &c as I amn
capable of drawing myself, which tho' incorrect may
serve to giive you a faint Idea of a place, which mnany
are unacquainted with.  LIn the margin is the following.]  C       I proposed sending you a plan of their
Fortification, but as you have seen it and I have not now
time to do it as Capt. Grier waits shall defer it'till
another opportunity. The Engineer was with me the
other day and had every view he could wish of their
Fortifications, he thinks them strong & no possibility of
keeping them, if taken without the ships cou'd be got
off, if that was the case before they would go, they
cou'  carry off their military utensils on a prodigious
raft which they have got which will bear at least 300
men, on which they could easily bear off their cannon
or anything else in a few minutes, as it is not above
300 yards from their lines, and may be brought within
fifty, the Engineer thinks it might be taken by forming
a rolling battery, without loss, but the ground itself is
of no use.  It is true we might destroy their bake
houses, which to them are very valuable. I agree with
him that it may be accomplished in that manner, and
am willing and ready to execute it provided you think
proper, as I ever shall be to obey all your commands.
As old Goodrich is a prisoner I must beg leave to give




THE LEE PAPERS.
you some information which I collected with respect to
him —After his son yWm Goodrich had arrived with the
Countrys powder from  St Eustatia, and the old man
hunted about and threatened as he was by Lord Dunmore, in order to make peace with him, and keep us in
darkness, he went to him, confessed his fault, opened the
plan, and begg'd forgiveness which was granted by his
Lordship, who gave him a permit to go to the West
Indies; he all this while was passing betwixt Dunmore
and us, we thought he was keeping himself out of the
Enemy's way, while he was divulging all the secrets of
the Cabinet which he could get at, he after some time
went to Carolina to go as he inform'd the Committee of
Safety to settle the matter and procure the ballance
of the- Powder, however as he was going out of Ocracock, he was taken by Lieut. Jones of the King Fishers
Tender who pay'd no respect to Lord Dunmore's pass
but brought him round to Norfolk; when Dunmore
understood it he opened the Budget to Montague and
they agreed to give himn his parole, to go in quest of
more news, a better pimp they not have got, for his
diligence, at last Convention, made Dunmore esteem
him as his first favourite, the Part he has taken since is
so glaring, it's needless for me to mention it —this information I received from Captn Eastwood, who was the
Capt. who brought in the powder under Win. Goodrichll, and was taken off Ocracock by Lieut. Jones with
old Goodrich. He tells me he expected instant death
when taken, Goodrich discovered his uneasiness, begg'd
him to be compos'd that all was safe by his pass from
Lord Dunmore. Eastwood informs me that Goodrich
was used ill by Lieut. Jones, from his character as from
his pass he cou'd not bear the double dealing of such a
traitor. I am informed Colo Peachy has resigned, if so,
I do not know in what manner our officers rise in rank,
whether by Regiment, by the line, or will of Congress,
should they be promoted according to Seniority I am
satisfied, if by the Regiment, I know in what manner,
but if by merit or caprice of Congress, I must beg that




THE LEE PAPERS. 
you will remember that no field officer has attended the
Regiment but myself since embodyed; I confess myself
as high in rank as I could wish and higher than T am
capable of executing so well as I cou'd wish; but at the
same time I feel that pride, which every officers breast
ought to bear.
I am Dr General
Your mo. obdt. & very hble Servt.
J. PARKER.
To EDAnIUND PENDLETON.
Williamsburgh, May ye 8th 1776.
SIR,
As the enclosed Copy of the result of a Council of
Officers this day assembled will not only inform the
convention of the measures taken for the security of
the Province in my absence, but also comprizes a petition with respect to the serious consequences which
may attend the leaving the counties of Princess Ann
and Norfolk county in their present situation I take
the Liberty of offering it to the consideration of the
house, I have received their commands relating to Mr
Wormley and have sent orders to Colonel Dangerfield
to put'em in execution.
I am Sir with the greatest respect
Your most obedt humble
CHARLES LEE.
To the Honble Edmd Pendleton
President of the Convention
PROCEEDINGS OF A COUNCIL.
Williamsburgh, May 8, 1776.
As General Clinton has undoubtedly landed, and
some transports of the enemy are arrived in North




8                THE LEE PAPERS.
Carolina, General Lee thinks it his duty immediately
to repair to that Province, to take measures for defeating their schemes; but before his departure he esteems
it his duty to digest some plan for the safety and security of Virginia. To this end he thinks it necessary
to call a Council of all the General and Field Officers
at Williamsburgh.
In consequence of these Summonses a Council of
the following officers was formed.
Major General Lee
Brig. Gen. Lewis         Brig. Gen. Howe
Coloner Buckner          Colonel Christian
Lt Col. McClanachan      Lieut Col. Bullit.
General Lee proposes the following questions:
What posts not occupied should be occupied?
What posts now occupied may be abandoned?
1st Does not the Great Bridge seem to be a post of
importance?
The Council unanimously agreed that it is a post
of the greatest importance, and that it should be maintained by at least four hundred men.
It being agreed that the Great Bridge should be
garrisoned the Council are consequently of opinion
that Suffolk must likewise be maintained, and that the
different defiles between Suffolk and the Great Bridge
(which will hereafter be pointed out to the Engineers)
be fortified.
The Council consider Suffolk to be of such import
ance they unanimously agree that a battalion at least
should be kept to defend that post and its dependencies.
2ndly. Does it appear that Kemp's Landing without great risk to'the body there stationed, can be supported?  Is the importance of this post so great as to
counterbalance the risk?  But if it is thought necessary to abandon Kemp's Landing, should not the Convention be petitioned to put in execution the former
resolve of the Committee of Safety (now rescinded) of




THE LEE PAPERS.                9
obliging all the slaves of a military age, as well as of
the white inhabitants who are not manifest active
partisans of liberty, to evacuate the counties of Norfolk
and Princess Anne, lying between the Great Bridge,
ocean, and Currituck Sound; as likewise those residing
in that tract between the Eastern and Southern Branches,
and those of the lower parts of Nansemlond and the
Western branch, who have taken the oath to Lord
Dunmore.
The Court are of opinion (with only one dissentient)
that Kemp's Landing cannot be supported without the
greatest risk; that when it is evacuated the whole stock
would consequently fall into the hands of the enemy;
and therefore the inale slaves and all the inhabitants
of a military age who are not manifestly active partisans of the publick liberty, will be actively employed
for her destruction; that both inclination and necessity will oblige them. In consequence of this opinion
they beg leave humbly to petition the Convention to
put in execution the resolve of the Committee of Safety
(now rescinded) on this subject.
As the getting possession of the capital would give
an air of dignity and decided superiority to the enemy
which in a country abounding with slaves, is a point of
the highest importance, ought not a considerable force
be stationed at Williamsburgh and its dependencies, in
which are included York, Jamestown, Burrel's Ferry
and Hampton?.
It is unanimously agreed as strong a force as possible ought to be stationed in the capital and its dependencies.
As, from a consideration of the present weakness
of the army in this Province it is impossible to station
a force adequate to this purpose, and at the same time
to aim at defending the vast extent of country open to
the insults of the enemy, can a battalion be spared for
the Northern Neck?
The Council are of opinion that only two companies
can be spared to be stationed on the Northern Neck,




10               THE LEE PAPERS.
but that they should be reinforced by some companies
of Minute-men.
CHARLES LEE, President.
FROM GENERAL JOHN ARMSTRONG.
Charleston, S. C. 8th May, 1776.
SIR,
Your surprise probably may be such as mine was,
when on the third Inst. I arrived here, and found that
in South Carolina there is not a single soldier on the
Continental Establishment, nor have the Commissions
of Congress been accepted by any of its Officers.
The Military department which by virtue of the
Resolutions of the Provincial Congress had been assigned to the Council of Safety-upon the dissolution
of that Body, and forming a new Constitution for the
Colony, is assigned by an Ordinance of the Legislature
to his Excellency the President from whom the Officers derive their Commissions as well those of the Provincial Regimlt as of the Militia.
The President assures me that this separate or Provincial footing of theirs with the reasons inducing them
thereto, are at full length laid before the Continental
Congress and everything submitted to the decision of
that Body, and says he expects an early answer, desiring as I believe the officers generally do, that I wou'd
wait until it come.  I have now wrote to Congress desiring their further Orders &c and mentioned my waiting the answer unless I should receive your particular
Orders to any other Post, which I now begg or at least
to be favoured with your advice. Shou'd the Enemy
land in No Carolina I intend repairing immediately
there where I may expect to see you in person, but
shou'd the attack begin here, I am more at a loss what
to do, at least until Continental Troops come forward.
The reasons given by this Government for adhering




THE LEE PAPERS.               11
to their own Military System, are first that the Articles
or regllations for discipline, drawn up by Congress,
are defective, too mild for the perverse Soldiery of this
meridian, to whom 39 lashes wou'd prove but a light
breakfast. The drumming out an Officer gives great
disgust-difference in the time enlisted for by them
which was longer than that directed by CongressDanger in discharging their troops which they considered as a pre-requisite to their becoming Continental,
&c. These are the principal all of which I presume
might have been obviated without the least risque to
the Service. and they now on the common footing, entitled both to rank & pay, their government making up
the Surplus, wch most of the Officers now wish for, and
the Governimt have apply'd some time ago to Congress
for Continental Rank & pay.
From Georgia I have only heard that the Battalion
there has arisen to about four hundred Men, which
join'd by their Militia may make about one thousand.
I take it for granted you are informed of the late accession to the Fleet at Cape Fear, & the reasons to believe that North Carolina is the first mark in vr district,
which is probable-Yet may these appearances vanish
& this Colony be the first object, as the Troops at St
Augustine said to be two thousand may instigate the
Indian Tribes by the aid of theirl Deputy Superintendent (which some say is in agitation)-join to these
Malcontents, and peradventure the domesticks.
I find this Colony have voted four thousand Troops,
but about two thousand are yet raised, these stationed
at various Posts, and officers out a recruiting-Of the
Militia, two hundred & fifty doing duty in Town performed by a monthly rotation.
The propriety of opening the Ports at present has
been doubted and altercated in the Legislative Councils
here-yielded to on the whole. The greater part of
this Province and I hear also of Georgia are for independence —Georgia has also form'd a new Constitution
— The Battalion Continental.




1 2              THE LEE PAPERS.
I'm called by principles of gratitude and common
justice to inform you that the President, Council, and
Officers of the Army have treated ime with friendship
and every mark of civility —have asked kindly for you
& much wish your arrival here with one or two thousand Troops.
I am Sir, with great respect
Your most Obedt. humble Servt
JOHN ARMSTRONG.
General Lee.
FROMr GENERAL WASHINGTON.
New York, May [9th], 177G.
MY DEAR LEE,
Your favour of the 5th ult. from Williamsburg, the
first I have received from you since you left this city,
came to my hands by the last post. I thank you for
your kind congratulations on our possession of Boston.
I thank you for your good wishes in our future operations, and hope that every diabolical attempt to deprive
mankind of their inherent rights and privileges, whether
made in the East, West, North, or South, will be attended with dlisappointment and disgrace, and that the
authors in the end will be brought to such punishment,
as an injured people have a right to inflict.
General Howe's retreat from Boston was precipitate, beyond any thing I' could have conceived. The
destruction of the stores at D)unbar's camp after Braddock's defeat was but a faint image of what was seen
at Boston; artillery carts cut to pieces in one place;
gun carriages in another; shells broke here; shot buried
there, and every thing carrying with it the face of disorder and confusion, as also of distress.
Immediately upon their embarkation, I detached a
brigade of five regiments to this city, and upon their
sailing, removed with the whole army hither, except
four regiments at Boston, and one at Beverley, &c., for




THE LEE PAPERS.                 13
the protection of those places, the stores and barracks
there, and for erecting works for defending the harbour
of the first.  Immediately upon my arrival here I detached four regiments by order of Congress to Canada,
(to wit, Poors, Patterson's, Greaton's and Bond's) under
the conmmand of Brigadier Thompson, and since that,
by the same authority, and in consequence of some
unfavourable accounts from that quarter, General Sullivan and six other regiments, namely, Starke's, Reed's,
TWain's, Irvine's, Windcs and Dayton's have moved off
for that department; the four last regiments are of
Pennsylvania and New-Jersey.  The first brigade arrived at Albany the twenty-fourth ultimo, and were
moving on, when accounts came from  thence the twenty-seventh. The other brigade must all be at Albany
before this, as some of the regiments sailed ten days
ago, and the last four, and the winds very favourable.
This has left us very weak at this place, whilst I have
my fears that the reinforcenlent will scarce get to
Canada in time, for want of teams to transport the
troops, &c. to Fort George, and vessels to convey thenm
on afterwards.
We have done a great deal of work at this place.
In a fortnight more, I think the city will be in a very
respectable posture of defence.  Governor's Island has
a large and strong work erected, and a regiment encamped there. The point below, called Red Hook, has
a small, but exceeding strong barbet battery; and several new works are constructed, and many of them
almost executed at other places.
General Ward, upon the evacuation of Boston, and
finding that there was a probability of his removing
from the smoke of his own chimney, applied to me, and
wrote to Congress for leave to resign. A few days
afterwards, some of the officers, as he says, getting ttneasy at the prospect of his leaving them, he applied
for his letter of resignation, which  had been colimmitted to my care; but, behold! it had been carefully forwarded to Congress, and as I have since learnt, judged




14               THE LEE PAPERS.
so reasonable, (waent of health being the plea,) that it
was instantly complied with. Brigadier Fry, previous
to this, also conceiving that there was nothing entertaining or profitable to an old man, to be marching and
counter-marching, desired, immediately on the evacuation of Boston, (which happened on the 17th of March,)
that he might resign his conmmission on, the 11th of
Aprtil: the choice of the clay became a matter of great
speculation, and remained profoundly mysterious till
he exhibited his account, when there appeared neither
more nor less in it, than the completion of three calendar months; the pay of which he received without any
kind of compunction, although he had never done one
tour of duty, or, I believe, had ever been out of his house
from the time he entered till he quitted Cambridge.
So much for two Generals: I have next to inform
you that the Pay-master-general, Colonel Warren, not
finding it convenient to attend the army, from the various employments and avocations in which he was engaged, also resigned his commission, and is succeeded
by your old aid, Palfrey.
When I was speaking of the distressed situation of
the king's troops, and the tories, at their evacuation of
Boston, I might have gone on, and added, that their
misfortunes did not end here.  It seems upon their
arrival at Halifax, many of the former were obliged to
encamp, although the ground was covered deep with
snow; and the latter, to pay six dollars a-week for sorry
upper-rooms, and stow in them, men, women, and children, as thick comparatively, as the hair upon their
heads. This induced many of these gentry to return,
and throw themselves upon the mercy and clemency of
their countrymen, who were for sending them immediately back, as the properest and severest punishment
they could inflict; but death being preferred to this,
they now wait in confinement, any other that may be
thought due to such parricides.
All the ships of war have left this place, and gone
down to the Hook, except the Asia, which lays five




THE LEE PAPERS.               15
miles below the Narrows, and about twelve or fourteen front hence. I could have added more, biut my
paper will not admit of it. With compliment, therefore, to the gentlemen of my acquaintance with you,
and with the most fervent wishes for your health and
success,
I remain, Youlr most affectionate,
G. WASHINGTO.
Major General Lee.
To EDMTUND PENDLETON.
Williamsburg May 9th, 1776.
SIR,
As I am obliged by the arrival of the Enemy to
repair to North Carolina, and am not less prompted by
my zeal and affection for this Province, than oblig'd by
my duty to take every precaution for its safety before
my departure; on this Principle, I beg leave to lay
before the Convention, the following measures which I
conceive to be necessary.
1st To devise some means for establishing  a Corps
of Cavalry, without which, an army is so extremely
defective in every part of the world, and in none more
than in this, for reasons which it might be tedious to
enumerate.
2ndly. Without delay to order some able Pilots of
every River to examine accurately the narrowest part
of the channel of each river, what is the nature of the
Shoals which form these Channels? whether they are
solid, firm, sand, gravel, or rock?  What is the distance
of the nearest part of the Channel from either shore?
What is the nature of the shore, whether it is high or
low? for I am sanguine enough to hope when these
circumstances are ascertain'd, the navigation of most of
the Rivers may be shut up to the Enemy, by means of
batteries either floating or fixed.
3rdly As these purposes cannot be effected without




16               THE LEE PAPERS.
a large body of Carpenters, Smiths, & Artificers, of
every sort, to establish some Companies of'em subject
to the military laws, as without a coercive power, it is
difficult in this part of the world to prevail upon'em to
work.
4thly As I understand there are prodigious stocks of
Sheep and Cattle on the Islands near the Eastern shore,
and as my authority does not extend to whatever concerns property, that you will order immediately all this
stock to be transported to the Continent, and if this
is impracticable to kill them, as otherwise they must
indisputably fall into the hands of the Enemy.
5thly As the Eastern Counties are from their great
abundance of all the necessaries of Life, so tempting
objects to the incursions of the Enemy, & as I understand that there will be no difficulty in procuring good
men, I would humbly propose to> the Convention, to
augment Col. Flemings Regiment to the same strength
of numbers with the other Battalions. I must now Sir,
beg leave to mention to the Gentlemen of the Convention a very important matter of consideration, no
less than the preservation of the lives of your soldiers.
The Continental allowance to Surgeons & Surgeons
Mates of the Regiments is so miserably small, and at the
same time the common country practice of Surgeons is
so very lucrative in this Province, that it is not possible
to find men qualified for the station who will accept:
and as I cannot venture to propose to the Continental
Congress the increase of the pay of the Surgeons of the
whole army, merely because this increase is necessary
in my division, I must submit it to the judgment of the
Convention whether such an addition, as to bring up
the pay of these Gentlemen to the original Provincial
Ordinance will not be money well and necessarily
expended.
I am Sir, with the greatest Respect
Yours &c,
CHARLES LEE.




THE LEE PAPERS.                17
To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
WVilliamsburg, May ye 10th 1776.
SIP,
Inclosed is a Packet I have just received from North
Carolina, as likewise a Resolve of the Convention of
Virginia in consequence of this intelligence. I had
before detached a Battalion of Riflemen to Halifax for
which place I intend to set out myself the day after
tomorrow-there is a noble spirit in this Province pervading all orders of men, if the same becomes universal we shall be saved.  I am fortunately for my own
happiness, & I think for the well being of the community on the best of Terms with the Senatorial part as
well as the People at large  I shall endeavour to preserve their confidence and good opinion, I am extremely
distress'd for Engineers, and the two that I have tell
me that they will be under the necessity of resigning,
as they cannot subsist on their present military pittance.
I hope the Congress will think proper to increase their
salary and their number-May I without presumption
urge to the Congress the absolute necessity of straining
every nerve to possess themselves of Niagara at least, if
not Detroit?
I am Sir, with the greatest respect,
Your most obt hunm: sert,
CIrARLEs LEE
Co2y of ti/e Resolve referred to in te foregoin'g.
In Convention, May 10, 1776(.
Resolved, that 1150 men consisting of minute men
and militia, be immediately rais'd in the following
Counties, & Proportions, that is to say: Albemarle 100,
Amherst 50, Amelia 100, Brunswick 100, Buckinghlam
O50, Cumberland 50, Dinwiddie 50, Charlotte 50, Halifax
100, Hanover 100, Louisa 50, Lunenburg 100, MaclenVOL. IL-2




is8             THE LEE PAPERS.
burg 100, Prince Edward 50, Sussex 50, Pittsylvania
150, and sent to the assistance of ]North Carolina.
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Williamsburgh, May 10, 1776.
Y DEAR GENERAL:
The most compendious method to give you an idea
of the state of your Province is to enclose you the result of a council of officers, every article of which is approved by your Convention. We have just received an
express from North Carolinal informing us of the arrival of eight large transports in Cape Fear River, on the
whole containing as it is supposed about two thousand
men. I had before on a suspicion of their arrival detached a battalion of riflemen and shall set out myself
the day after to morrow. The Convention has ordered
1200 militia or Minute-men to that Province. My conmmand (as you may easily perceive) is extremely perplexing from the consideration of the vast extent of vulnerable parts of this country intersected by such a variety of navigable waters and the expedition with which
the enemy (furnished with canvass wings) can fly from
one spot to another. Had we arms for the minute
men and half a dozen good field Engineers, we might
laugh at their efforts; but in this article (like the rest
of the Continent) we are miserably defficient. Engineers, we have but two, and they threaten to resign, as it
is impossible they should subsist on a more wretched
pittance than common carpenters or bricklayers, can
earn. I have written to Congress entreating them to
augment the pay: a word from you would, I make no
doubt, effect it.
I wish, my dear General, you would send me Captain Smith, on condition the Congress make it worth his
while, otherwise I have not conscience to propose it. I
am well pleased with your officers in general, and the




THE LEE PAPERS.               19
men are good, some Irish rascals excepted.  I have
formed two companies of grenadiers to each regiment;
and with spears of thirteen feet long, their rifles (for
they are all riRemen) slung over their shoulders, their
appearance is formidable, and the men are conciliated
to the weapon. I am likewise furnishing myself with
four-ounced rifled amusettes, which will carry an infernal distance; the two-ounced hit a half sheet of paper
at five hundred yards distance. So much for military.
A noble spirit possesses the Convention. They are
almost unanimous for independence, but differ in their
sentiments about the mode; two days will decide it.
I have the pleasure to inform you that I am extremely
well in the opinion of the Senatorial part, as well as of
the people at large. God send me the grace to preserve
it. But their neighbors of Maryland (I mean their
Council of Safety) make a most damnable clamor (as I
am informed) on the subject of a letter I wrote to the
Chairman of the Conimmittee of Baltimore, to seize the
person and papers of VMr' Eden, upon the discovery
which was communicated to me of his treacherous correspondence with the Secretary of State; it was not
only a measure justifiable in the eyes of God and men,
but absolutely necessary. The Committee of Safety
here are indeed as deep in the scrape as myself. The
Congress must, and will, I dare say, support and vinclicate the measure.  Captain Green and his party are
upon their march, as you ordered. I was a damned
blockhead for bringing them so far, as their accounts
will be intricate; but I hope not so intricate as not to
be unriddled.
I send you an account of the money I advanced to
the different officers —to Captains Smith, Lunt, and
Green. I have taken the liberty to appoint a Sergeant
Denmark of the Rifle battalion to do duty as an Ensign.
He is a man of worth, and I beg that you will confirmn
his commission. Another Sergeant of the same battalion I have promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant
in the artillery of this Province. IHe is a German, his




20               THE LEE PAPERS.
name Holmer, and very deserving. If little Eustace
cannot be provided for with you, I could wish, if there
is a cheap method of doing it, you would send him to
me, as I have it in my power to place him and quite
doat upon him. My love to Mrs Washington, Gates,
and her bad half, to Moylan, but Palfrey is a scoundrel
for not writing. Adieu, my dear General
Yours, most Sincerely
C. LEE
To General Washington.
To RIcH ARD HENnY LEE.
Williamsburgh, May 10, 1776.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
Your brother and I think, from the language of
your letters, that the pulse of the Congress is low, and
that you yourself, with all your vigour, are by collision,
somewhat more contracted in your hopes than we
wished to have found. If you do not declare immediately for positive independence, we are all ruined.
There is a poorness of spirit and languor in the late proceedings of Congress that I confess frightens me so
much that at times I regret having embarked my all, my
fortune, life, and reputation, in their bottom. I sometimes wish I had settled in some country of slaves,
where the most lenient master governs. However, let
the fate of my property be what it will, I hope I shall
preserve my reputation, and resign my breath with a
tolerable degree of grace. God bless you. I cannot
write more. at present.'Ah, Cassius, I am sick of
many griefs."
Yours, most entirely,
CIHARLES LEE
Honourable Richard Henry Lee.




THE LEE PAPERS.              21
To EDMIUND PENDLETON.
Williamsburg, 10th May, 1 7 76.
SIn,
We remain, after consideration, of opinion, that the
Inhabitants of the Counties of Norfolk & Princess
Anne from their dangerous & exposed situation & notorious disaffection to the common cause of America,
ought immediately to be removed; that such of them
as are nearest the Enemy, should first be attended to
and without the least delay be compell'd to xvithdraw
with their property to an interior part of this, or some
other Colony; and that even those who being near our
Guards may not venture, or being distant from the Enemy can with less convenience supply them, should be
obliged directly to drive off their stocks and carry all
their slaves fit to bear arms to a place of Safety. The
Inhabitants who may be permitted to remain longest at
their habitations, are those who reside on that side of
the Great Bridge next to Carolina along ye RPoad to the
Northwest Landing and down the Neck of Land to
Carratuck sound, and those between the Br-idge of Suffolk who are not immediately in the power of the Enemy (which by reference to the enclos'd rough sketch
of the country will more fully appear). Above all, we
consider the Inhabitants of that tract of Country, between the Eastern & Southern Branches as most dangerous to the Community both from their Situation and
Principles, & that they ought first to be remov'd.
We are Sir, with great Respect
Your most obt humble Servants
CHARLES LEE,
ROBERT HOWVE.
The Hone Edmund Pendleton,
President of the Convention.




22               THE LEE PAPERS.
To MAJoR HENDRICKS.
Williamsburg, May 11, 1776.
SIR,
I join with you entirely that a flag of truce ought
to be esteemed sacred, and much approve your good
sense and spirit in remonstrating against their irregular
and insolent proceeding if it is repeated. I wou'd have
you consider the respect due to the flag annihilated by
the improper mode of conducting it. I am likewise of
your opinion that these people' who come ashore on
their parole are extremely dangerous. I have put a
stop to it at Kemp's Landing and desire you will do
the same at Hampton, when our powder arrives vou
shall have some of it, the Artillery Officer will be
down with you in a few days, the eighteen pounders
which are good must be sent up here, as I think you
can have no use for'erm at Hampton. When you write
again address yourself to Brig[ Lewis as I shall set out
for Halifax to-morrow. You are to put in execution
the sentence on a Deserter fromn Captn FitzGerald's
Comp. — it is a just & good sentence.
I am Sir, with the greatest respect,
Your most obt Servt
CHARLES LEE.
Major Hendrick
Comt at Hampton.
To EDMUND PENDLETON.
Williamsburg May 11It 1'776.
SIR,
Upon consulting with General Howe, I find it will
be most conducible to the Service to order your militia
to Halifax, where they shall receive further Orders
fromn me. The difference of the Continental Establish



THE LEE PAPERS.               23
ment and that of the Province, will occasion, I am
afraid, much confusion-for instance, the pay of the'
Artillery here is two shillings per diem-that of the
Artillery in the Army to the Eastward no more than
other soldiers-if we should attempt to reduce it, this
Company so essentially necessary for the service, will
consequently be dissolved, and to propose the augmentation of it to the Congress wou'd appear perhaps unreasonable, as it wou'd put them under the necessity of
raising the pay of this Corps universally. I therefore,
Sir, must beg leave to lay my perplexity on this head
before the Convention. Mr. Agnew who wTas lately
tryed by the Committee, and is allowed to be a most
irreclaimable Enemy was seen the day before the Enemy made their last predatory expedition to Hog Island
in consultation with Mr. Holt a suspected Tory on the
very scene of their depredations-shou'd a man so dangerous be suffered at large? a Mr Wright in Glocester
may as I informed do, & has done much mischief.
I am Sir, with the greatest Respect,
Your most obt humble Servant,
C1]HARLnES LEE
To the Hon. Edmund Pendleton,
President of the Convention.
To COL. WILLIAM  WOODFORD.
Williamsburg, May 11th 17 76.
DEAR COLONEL,
I pitty you most sincerely for your damn'd employment, but so far from flattering you with being relieved of the burthen, that I may announce to you, its
growing more irksome and difficult-the convention
have order'd the first Resolve of the Committee to be
put rigidly in execution. You must proceed therefore
with vigor if the Suffolk carts do not come down they
must be press'd —Colonel Stephen will receive an order




2 4              THE LEE PAPERS.
on this subject. have you order'd Muhilenberg's Regiment to march for Halifax?  I hope to God, you have,
for no time is to be lost, as we have certain news of
the Enemy's arrival in the River Cape Fear. I set out
tomorrow myself. so you must direct your Letters on
Virginia Business to General Lewis. let Muhlenburg
have the waggons & provisions necessary as far as
Halifax.  I hope he has a Quarter master who is capable of acting as Commissary for so small a body as one
Regiment, Capt" Knox will follow the Regiment, so
the Colonel must not wait for him. You may inform
him that I have also order'd stores of all kinds for his
Regiment to Halifax-once more, I entreat he may
march immediately.  I desire no more prisoners on
their Parole may be admitted on shore. They do mnischief. I have left your Canteens with Colonel Finney.
but have taken the liberty to exchange the bottles as
your's are larger than mine.  Adieu Dr Colonel.  God
bless you.
C. LEE.
My comnpliments to all your People. If the Baron
has set the works of the bridge agoing —send him to
Halifax, but you must furnish him with the money he
wants to discharge his Debts at the Bridge, and bear
his expenses on the Road. Your Regiment & the 2d
will be relieved as soon as possible.
Col. William Woodford,
Kemp's.
FRnoM RICHARD HENRY LEE.
Philadelphia 11th May 1776.
M1Y DEAR FRIEND,
Since I wrote you last nothing of consequence hath
happened, unless it be, that the Roebuck & Liverpoole




THE LEE PAPERS.               25
coming up the river Delaware, were met a few miles
above New Castle by the 13 Gondolas of this city, and
after a cannonade of 3 hours each day for two successive
days, the ships returned clown the river, and the Gallies to their former Station —The latter unhurt, and the
former repulsed after being pretty well pepper'd with
shot from 18 to 32 pounders. My friendship for you is
so strong, and the sense I have of the obligations America is under to you so high, that I shall ever pray the
liberty of being full and free on every subject that materially concerns you. I find a spirit prevailing here,
which leads its possessors to regard with a jealous eye,
every instance of deviation (in a military or naval
Commander) from  the line of instructions, and every
undertaking productive of expense which is not warranted by express order of Congress. Thus animated, I find some Gentlemen expressing dissatisfaction
at your having promised forage and rations to such
Cavalry as might be assembled in Virginia, & likewise
because of the boats you had ordered to be built for
the security of the Rivers. You know my friend that
the spirit of liberty is a jealous spirit, and that Senators are not always wise and candid, but that frequently
they are governed by envy, enmity, and a great variety
of bad passions-Upon these considerations, may it not
be prudent when it can be done, without danger, to the
common cause previously to obtain the Consent of Congress, where much deviation from the usual rotine of
business is requisite, and especially where expence is
created thereby.  Such is the opinion entertained of
you, that when you press a thing as necessary, if it is
in the power of Congress, I am inclined to think a majority of that Body will readily adopt the measure.
What I hear and see has induced me to say thus much
-I am satisfied that verbzrn sapienti sat est-some still
continue to gape for Commissioners, altho' there is no
more reason to expect any than to look for virtue from
a Tory, or wisdom from a fool. I fancy the Hessian,
Hanoverian, & Highland Commissioners, will shortly




26               THlE IE PAPERS.
give us a different kind of treaty from the one that has
been expected. We have no very late authentic accounts from Canada, but those we have, do not remove
all hope of Quebec being ours before assistance can
reach it.
The Proprietary Colonies do certainly obstruct and
perplex the American Machine-Those who wish delay,
and want nothing done, say, let the people in the Colonies begin, we must not go before them-Tho' they
well know the language in the Country to be, Let the
Congress advise. In fact, the other Colonies must do
what is right, and on giving proper and positive orders
to their Servants in Congress, the Proprietary men will
be obliged to pursue the right road. Before this
reaches you I suppose the powder and medicines will
be arrived, and the Blankets and shoes will quickly
follow. We have had 23 Tons of powder, and a good
deal of Saltpetre arrived within these 10 days. Since
writing the above, a french Gentleman, who appears
sensible and clever, has been with us. His letter is enclosed. He has been bred to Cavalry, and wishes to
serve in Virginia. As a Committee of Congress has
already reported against having Continental Cavalry
in North Carolina, I suppose the same opinion will prevail respecting Virginia. But the measure is so wise
and necessary for the defence of our Colony, that I wish
and hope a few squadrons will be formed on Colonial
expence, in which case, this Gentleman wa answer well
as an Instructor & Commander.
Farewell my dear friend,
RIcHARD HENRY LEE.
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Williamsburgh, May 11, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL:
I should be deficient in gratitude as well as duty if
I did not recommend in the strongest terms, Captain




TiE: LEE PAPERS.             27
Grier. He has shown so much care, industry, zeal, and
activity, that I entreat you will patronize him in the
most particular mannel. You will oblige me, therefore, in the highest degree, by taking him under your
protection.
I am, dear General, affectionately and entirely
yours,
CHARLES LEE.
To His Excellency General Washington.
FRO3i CHRISTOPHER FRENCH.
Hartford, 13th M1ay 1776.
SIR,
You, no doubt remember that, when you pass'd
through this Place in January last, you made a Bett of
Ten Guineas with me that Quebec would be taken by
the Provincials in the Course of the current Winter;
That event has not happen'd (nor is there now the
least prospect that it ever will, as there are accounts,
not only of its having been reinforc'd by a part of His
Majesty's Fleet, and a large Body of his Troops, but
that His Excellency Gen' Carleton has drove them
entirely from before it) &, indeed, your own Papers,
unaccustom'd as they are to communicate to the Public
anything which argues against their Successes, have
lately inserted some very desponding Letters from that
Quarter; They also regret that you was not sent there
to command them, and though, as you are become our
Enemy, I cannot be so gross as to wish you had with
success, yet I am not so much yours, as to envy you the
Honor you might have acquir'd by a well concerted
Retreat which, though you might not have effected, yet
I know you would have attempted, a circumstance
which, from your being at the head of such raw & undisciplined Forces could only have added to the bril



28               THlE LEE PAPERS.
liancy of your measures. You will be pleas'd to direct
Mr Lawrence, Treasurer here, to pay mne, which will
much oblige
Sir,
Your most obt. hble. Servant
CuRis. FRENCH.
To Gen' Lee,
Williamsburg
Savannah, Georgia.
FRoiI BRIG. GEN. JAIES MOORE.
Wilmington, No Carolina, May 19, 1776.
SIR,
Since sealing my letter to you by the Express, Col.
Nash (who is with a detachment about 11 Miles from
Fort Johnson) writes me that the Enemy have landed
1700 Men & some pieces of Artillery & formed a Camp
I of a Mile back from the Fort. There is between
sixty and 70 Sail of Topsail Vessels in this River, and
the following Ships of tWar, viz:  The Solbay, &
Action, 28 Guns each, Spinx and Mercury 20 Guns
each, Scorpion and Falcon 14 Guns each, & the Bristol
of 50 Guns laying off the bar. Sir Peter Parker has
hoisted his flag on board the Solbay. I have the honor
to be
Sir,
Your obedt hble. Servant
JA. MOORE.
Major Gen1 Lee.
FROM> HENRY STUART, ETC.
GENTLEMEN,
Sometime ago Mr Cameron & myself wrote you a
letter by Mr Thomas & inclosed you the talk we had
with the Indians respecting the Purchase which'tis re



TrE LEE PAPERS.               29
ported you lately made of them for the Rivers Wattauger, Nolichucky &e. We are since informed that you
are under great apprehensions of the Indians doing Mis.
chief, but it is not the design of his Majesty to set his
Friends and Allies the Indians on his liege subjects.
Therefore, however if you are willing to join his AMajesty's forces as soon as they arrive at the Cherokee Nation by repairing to the Kings Standard, shall find protection, and their Famlilies and Estates be secure from
all Danger whatever. Yet that his Majesty's Officers
may be certain which of you are willing to take up Arlms
in defence of the Kings just rights, I have thought fit
to recommend it to you every one that is desirous of
preventing inevitable ruin to himself and Family immediately to subscribe a written Paper, acknowledging
their Allegiance to his Majesty King George, and that
they're ready and willing whenever call'd on to appear
in Arms in defence of the British Rights in America,
which Paper as soon as it is assigned send to me by some
safe hand, should any of the Inhabitants be desirous of
knowing how they are to be kept free from every kind
of insult or danger, inform them that his Majesty will
immediately land an Army in West Florida, and march
them through the Creek Nation to the Chicasaws where
500 Warriors from each Nation are to join them and
then comen by the Cherokees, who have also promised
their Assistance, then take possession of the Frontiers
of North Carolina, & Virginia, at the same time that
his Majesty's Forces make a Diversion on the coasts of
them Provinces. If any of the Inhabitants have Cattle,
Pack Horses, Flour to spare by applying to us they
shall have a good price for them as soon as his Majesty's troops are embodied.
I arm Gents, &C
HENRiY STUART,
Deputy Superintendent.
Wattauger, ss.
This'day came Nathaniel Reed before me one of the
Trustees assigned to keep the Peace for the district




30               THE LEE PAPERS.
aforesaid, and make Oath on the Holy Evangelist and
Almighty God, that a Stranger rode up to Mr Robertson's yesterday in the Evening. Who he was he did
not know and delivered a letter, a true copy of which
is above.
Given under my hand this 19th May 17736.
JOHN CARTER.
Test: Jas Smith.
A true Copy of a letter laid before the Virginia
Convention.
EDMD PENDLETON, pr.
To BRIGADIER GENERAL MOORE.
Halifax, May ye 20th 1776.
SIn,
In consequence of a letter from the Committee of
Safety of your Province, apprizing us of the arrival of
several transports in Cape Fear River, as also of the
weakness of the Province from the consideration of the
number of Enemy's lodged in your bosoms (the Highlanders and Regulators) the Convention of Virginia
voted immediately a body of thirteen hundred militia
and minute men to march for this Province, on my part,
I order'd a Battalion of Riflemen to rendezvous at Halifax. I suppose they will arrive tomorrow. I shall then
march without delay to Newbern, unless I am inform'd
on the rout that the Enemy are reimbark'd, which I am
inclin'd to think will be the case, for since the overthrow
of their scheme by Colonel Caswell's victory I cannot
see what advantages they can propose to themselves by
any operations in North Carolina, it is probable Rage
and revenge (which at present alone seem to actuate the
King and his accursed instruments) may inspire'em
before their departure with the lust of destroying Wilmington-but I am in hopes you are already strong




THE LEE PAPERS.              31
enough to prevent the accomplishment. The Assurances
which you may give your people that a body is on their
march to support them, will probably add to their natural spirit and vigor. You may easily conceive, Sir,
how perplexing is my situation —it is my duty to superintend the Security and safety of four wide extended
Provinces, the enemy being furnished with canvass
wings can fly with expedition from one quarter to anot
I may of course be in the North when apparently I ought
to be in the South, or in the South when I ought to be
in the North; I may be censur'd without any real demerits-this consideration gives a check to my motions
which wou'd otherwise be more rapid, for instance, cou'd
I be assur'd that it was the intention of the Enemy to
lodge themselves seriously in this Province, I wou'd post
night & day to join you.   X    *        X 
To Brig. Gen. Moore,
at Cape Fear.
Fno3A RICHARD HENRY LEE.
Philadelphia, 21st May, 1776.
M3Y DEAR FRIEND,
As I wrote you yesterday by your Express, I have
now only to thank you for your favor by last post. If
you discovered any languor in my letters it must have
been merely corporeal, the mental powers having been
just as vigorous as ever. Excessive writing and constant
attention to business afflicts me a good deal I own, but
they are far from depressing my spirits in the great
cause of America, and if you were to consult with our
moderate merb in and out of doors you would think me
possessed of something else than languor. The mischievous instructions from some Colonies have indeed
fettered Congressional Councils, but many of these are
done away, and the rest will be so immediately The




32              THE LEE PAPERS.
[late] Resolve of Congress respecting government hath
wrought a great change hereabouts, and very soon the
Public affairs will wear a different aspect, and be
directed with better spirit. I expect an expedition to
Detroit will be undertaken, Niagara will probably be
suspended, as the Indians thereabout wish it to continue
a place of trade yet awhile. A Gentleman just from
N. York, tells us that 70 sail of Transports with 10,000
troops were arrived off the Hook; and that Gen.
Washington was dispatching an Express to Congress, a
confirmation is hourly expected. They have made the
works about N. York very strong, and tho' the detachment of 10 Battalions to Canada, has not left above
8,000, yet 10, or 12000 militia may be thrown in, so
that we apprehend no danger from that quarter.
Farewell, my dear Sir,
RIcHARD HENRY LEE.
Early in April I gave you an Account of the affair
of the Annapolis Council.
General Lee, Commander of the Continental Forces
in the Southern Department, at Williamllsburg,
Virginia.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MARYLAND CONVENTION,
In Convention, Annapolis, May 24th 1776.
Resolved, that it is the opinion of this Convention
that the Council of Safety of this province, upon the
subject of the late intercepted letters to Governor Eden,
duly & properly exercised the powers delegated to them.
Resolved, that it is the opinion of this Convention,
that upon the evidence before them of the correspondence which his Excellency Governor Eden has from
tine to time held with Administration, it does not
appear that such correspondence has been with an un



THE LEE PAPERS.               33
friendly intent or calculation to countenance any hostile
measures against America.
Whereas by a late intercepted letter from  Lord
George Germain, one of the Secretaries of State, to his
Excellency the Governor, it appears that a great armament of ]and and sea forces was in readiness to proceed
to the Southward, in his Lordships expression " in order
to attempt the restoration of legal government in that
part of America," but in effect to invade and subdue the
Southern Colonies, which Armament was to proceed in
the first place to North Carolina, and from thence to
South Carolina, or Virginia, as circumstances of greater,
or less advantage should point out, if to the latter, it
might have very important consequences to this province, and therefore, in the said letter, his Excellency
is called on well to consider of every means by which
he may, in conjunction with Lord Dunmore give facility
and assistance to the operations of the said Armament.
And Whereas the Governor must, if he remains in the
exercise of the powers of government, fulfill and execute
the instructions of Administration, or hazard the displeasure of the King, which it cannot be expected he
will do; And Whereas by Act of Assembly of this Province, the powers of Government, in the absence of the
Governor, devolves upon the President of the Council,
and therefore the Governor's departure cannot occasion a dissolution, or suspension of the present established form  of  Government within  this province
which this convention doth not think ought now to be
changed.
Therefore Resolved, that it be signified to the Governor that the publick quiet and safety in the judgment
of this convention require that he leave this province;
& that he is at full liberty to depart peaceably with his
effects.
Resolved, that a Committee of five persons be appointed to wait on his Excellency with a copy of the
above resolutions, together with the following Address,
to wit:
VOL. II.-3




34               THE LEE PAPERS.
To His Excellency Robert Eden, Esq. Governor of
Maryland.
May it please your Excellency,
We are commanded by the Convention to wait upon
your Excellency to communicate to you the Resolutions
they have this day entered into, & are instructed to
assure your Excellency that the Convention entertains
a favorable sense of your conduct relative to the affairs
of Amlerica since the unhappy differences have subsisted
between Great Britain and the United Colonies, as far
as the same hath come to their knowledge, and of their
real wishes for your return to resume the government of
this province whenever we shall happily be restored to
peace and that connection with Great Britain, the interruption and suspension of which have filled the mlind of
every good man with the deepest regret. From the disposition your Excellency hath manifested to promote
the real interests of both Countries, the Convention is
induced to entertain the warmest hopes and expectations, that, upon your arrival in England, you will represent the temper and principles of the people of
Maryland with the same candour you have hitherto
shewn; and that you will exert your endeavours to promote a reconciliation, upon terms that may be secure
and honourable both to Great Britain and America.
Extracts from the Minutes:
G. DUVALL.
To EDmIUND PENDLETON.
Halifax, May ye 24th 1776.
SIn,
The disorderly mutinous and dangerous disposition
of the soldiers of the 8th Regt have detain'd me longer
in this place than I cou'd have wish'd more particularly
as We hear (tho the accounts are not well authenticated)




THIE LEE PAPERS.               35
that the whole fleet of Transports under Lord Cornwallis is arrived at Cape Fear.  We have at length
after infinite trouble got this Banditti out of the Town
and of course I set out myself immediately, on the road
I expected an express from General Moore ascertaining
me of the Enemy's motions and intentions, as it is more
than probable that They will re-embark and bend their
course towards Virginia I shall proceed slowly, that on
the supposition They do re-embark my journey back
may require less time-but as it is still possible that
They may seriously have thoughts of lodging themselves in this Province, I wish to be so near that I can
join General Moore in forty eight hours-Newbern for
these reasons seems a proper station untill I can obtain
some further lights with regard to their designs-the
spirit of desertion in these back Country Troops is so
alarmingly great that I must submit it to the wisdom
of the Convention whether it is not of tlle utmost importance to devise some means to put a stop to it before
it spreads, by enjoining the Collmmittees of the different
Counties to seize every Soldier who cannot produce an
authentic discharge or pass and throw  him into the
County jail until He can be comivey'd to the Regt to
which He belongs-or by some other means-but the
Convention are much better Judges than I can possibly
be of the proper method to be pursued. I can only
affirm that unless some effectual method is devis'd and
adopted it will be impossible for us to keep the Field —
the old Countrymen particularly the Irish whom the
officers have injudiciously inlisted in order to fill up
their Companies have much contaminated the Troops;
and if more care is not taken on this head for the future
the whole Army will be one nmass of disorder, vice, and
confusion-altho' I have so great reason to complain of
the misconduct of this IRegt I must do the officers, particularly the Field officers the justice to say that their
conduct is in general very satisfactory.
The Gentlemen of this Province with whom I have
convers'd seem to me a little too secure in the perswa



36               THE. LEE PAPERS.
sion that the Highlanders and Regulators are incapacitated from acting.  General Howe as well as myself is
of a different opinion, so that upon the whole the vote
of Virginia Convention to march the Militia may be
attended with most salutary effects, and cannot with
any, bad ones-had I not consider'd the spirit of desertion [of a] very alarming nature, I should not have
troubled the Convention with this letter —As you will
perceive that it contains no other matter of sufficient
importance for their perusal-but I once more request
that They will take this affair into their consideration
and devise some means of stifling the evil before it get
too great a head.
I am Sir, Yours,,CHARLES LEE
To COLONEL
Tarborough, May ye 25th 1776.
DP'~  CO:LONELI have so great a reliance on your discretion and
the zeal of a great part of your officers that I am perswaded the directions I leave will be literally (and
without confusion) followed.  a
It is my intention that you shall march to Duplins
Court House and there encamp (as you have no tents)
in the Indian manner as conveniently to your people as
possible.
You will find all necessaries both for your men and
horses at proper stations'till you arrive at Harrison's
on Bears Creek where the roads fork, here you will
meet with a M   i Miller who will repair to this fork, conduct you to the Court House, and supply you with all
kinds of provisions for your Corps-At this Camp you
imust wait for further orders.
I am myself oblig'd to proceed by the way of Newbern. I hear that two of your officers have behav'd
extremely ill; for God's sake send them about their




THE LEE PAPERS.               37
busyness quietly —if They consent to be dismiss'd quietly but if They are refractory leave'emr in arrest at
this place under the care of Colonel Erwin till They
can be brought formally to a Court Martial. I wish
you much more ease and satisfaction in your march
than you have hitherto experienced.
Yours
CHARLES LEE.
Send solne officer to MrI Miller who lives six miles
from the fork to apprise him of your arrival and your
wrants.
You will put the Wacggron with the Intrenchinog
tools under the direction of Col]' Irwin of this Place,
who will forward them under a Guard of a party of
his Regiiment to Wilmington.
I desire you will not halt in this Town, without you
find it absolutely necessary, and then only for a little
timue.
To ED3MUND PENDLETON.
Tarborouoh, May ye 25't 1776.
SIR,
As I think it my duty to convey every information
of the motions and intentions or even the surmises of
the motions and intentions of the Enemy to the Convention of Virginia of wvhom I have so high an opinion,
and for wlhoml  my veneration increases daily, I take the
liberty to inclose Copies of the letters I have received
from  General Moore and M. Rutledge —from the imr
port of these letters you will see that the most probable
conjecture is that their first object is S. Carolina-You
will of course have time to put your Province in some
state of defence. I hope and conjure that no time may
be lost in attempting to raise batteries on the shoals
and banks of the rivers which form  their respective
channels, I must likewise urge the necessity of imme



38                THE LEE PAPERS.
dliately raising a body of Horse, the necessity of which
I feel every day more sensibly-  We cannot really do
without theml.  We nlet on the road two officers floom
S. Carolina, a Mr. Drayton and Mr Elliot, whose busyness is to petition your Convention to permit thenl to
recruit in Virginia, it niot being possible to find MIen in
their Province-it appears to ine that on one hand it is
absolutely necessary for the common safety that this
permission shou'd be given, on the other that many i.iconveniences will result from it-their bounties are so
high that it may render the recruiting of the Virginia
Regimlents more difficult.  The Men lmay grow exorbitant in their demands —the case is perplexing, but of
two evils We mlust chluse the least.  Suppose, Sir, for
I confess I speak at a venture, you were to order a
draft of Volunteers flolm the different Regilments, that
the Caroliners were to refund the bounty  money which
had been given, to your men, and to add as a temptation what They think proper.  I do not believe that by
adopting this met.hod many of the native Virginians
aill offer themlselves —the Irish, I am  periswacled in
crowds —to this, one objection may be made, that you
will purge your Arrmy of bad subjects at the expense
of another Province —but I must observe that the ordinances of S. Carolina are much better calculated to
keep these sort of refractory spirits in order than the
Continental Ordinances —their laws are more severe,
and severity is necessary for an Irish soldiery —I'm
well acquainted with their dispositions, and knowr that
the lenient measures and familiar manners adapted to
the genius of your people only tend to inspire the Irish
with the Spirit of stubbornness and mutiny —I n-must
repeat, Sir, that I only offer an opinion, and wou'd not
be thought to advise —it is so late at night that you
will pardon the conciseness of this letter, andcl believe
me to be with the greatest respect Sir,
Your most obedt and hulmble Servt
CHARLES LEE.
P. S. The personal civil things to nme express'd by




TILE LEE PAPERS.               39
Mr Rutledge are left as they are not through vanity,
but I really had not time to [erase] them-As it is
possible that the mode I have hinted may occasion some
discontent to the officers who have taken pains to form
Comllpanies, it may not be amiss previously to any resolution to consult with the Colonels.
FRoMr ISAAC REED TO GEN. LEWIs.
Smithfield, May 25, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL,
I reached Smithfield this afternoon from Williamsburg, and am informed (I think from good authority)
that Lord Dlunmllore with his Fleet, intends takeing possession of Kent Island in the Province of Maryland,
just below Annapolis, and opposite to the Mouth of
Patuxent, which affords a fine harbour for it; the Islandl is about thirty miles long, contains a great variety
of live stock, and promises an exuberant harvest of
grain.  I have taken the liberty of giveing you this intelligence, in expectation that something may be done
immediately to prevenit their progress in landing and
fortifying themselves; this Island lies on the Eastern
shore of that province, where the inhabitants it is said,
are allmost all Tories, and possibly will make little or
no opposition.  A report prevails here, that an1 engagement has very lately happened at Calpe Fear, brought
on by an attempt of the Enemy to land, in which they
sustain'd a loss of four or five hundred men, and their
landing prevented.  I can't vouch for the truth of this
report, but on the contrary am indclucecl to discredit it.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
yr llo. obt. Servant
ISAAC REED.
To Brigadier General Lewis,
in WXilliamsburg.




40               THE LEE PAPERS.
FRnoi BRIGADIER GENERAL MOORE.
Wilmington, May 26, 1776.
SIR,
Your letter of the 20 instant I have received and
wished it was in my power to give you such information as might enable you to penetrate the real designs
of the Enemy. General Clinton has been assured by
one Campbell, who a few days since went on board the
Palliser, Transport, laying at Fort Johnson, that he
had been authorized by the Ilighlanders and Regulators
to let him know they wou'd immediately join hiun if he
would march into their Settlements; how far lhe may
be induced to take a step of this Nature, I am not able
to Judge. The person who gave this information further informs me the Enemy are landed and Encanmp'd
about 2 a Mile from the Fort, with several pieces of
Cannon and that he saw one Waggon on shore. I have
reason to believe that Governor Martin uses his utmost
endeavours to prevail with the General to nmake this
Province the scene of Action, while Lord William
Camlpbell is not less Solicitous for having the War imlimediately carried into South Carolina; the latter I am
of opinion will be the object of Genl. Clinton's Attention, it being almost impossible for himn to march far
into this Province without a considerable number of
horses and waggons. I have the greatest reason to believe
the King's Troops, now landed, do not exceed 3,250
Men, Marines included. A number so inconsiderable
I conceive, can never be intended to act against a province so populous as Virginia, which confirms me in
the opinion that South Carolina is the place of their
destination.  Should the Battalion of Riflenien mentioned in your letter, join the Regular Troops and
Militia here, I believe we shall not have occasion for
the Minute Men and Mlilitia voted by the Convention
of Virginia for this Service. I shall take every possible step to discover the course of the Enemys should




THE LEE PAPERS.               41
they leave this River, and will advise you of the same;
from my belief of their intentions against South Carolina I have had intelligent persons stationed on the
banks of the sea near little River to watch their course
if they should appear that way, and to send an Express for Charles-Town.  I shall do the same to the
Northward, & advise you as early as possible, and follow your directions in every particular.
The Enemies out posts will be attacked to night,
with about 200 Men under the command of Coll Nash.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Yonur obedt. hble Servt
JA. MOORE,
Brigr Gen'
Major Gen. Lee
at Newbern.
ADDRESS FROMr INHABITANTS OF NEWBERN.
To his Excellency General Lee, Esq. Commander in
Chief in the Southern Department of the United
American Colonies.
Maay it Please your Excellency:
The Committee and other Inhabitants of the town
of Newbern impressed with a Lively sense of your generous and manly exertions in defence of American
Rights and Liberties, are happy in having an opportunity of paying our gratefull tribute of thanks and of
offering our most cordial Congratulations on your arrival among us.
At a time when this Province is actually invaded
by a powerfull fleet & army, the anxiety natural on the
occasion, is not a Little alleviated by the Command of
the forces destined for its protection being placed in the
hands of a gentleman of your distinguished character.
The Inhabitants of this Province tho' different in




42               THE LEE PAPERS.
point of discipline, are as sensible of the inestimable
blessings of freedom as our Neighbors-and we flatter
ourselves under your prudent arrangement will as successfully oppose the hostile designs of our Eneamys.
And we Beg your Excellency will do us the Justice
to believe that nothing in our power shall be wanting
to add strength and facility to your opperations in this
Province.
May 27th 1776.
FRno  GENERnAL ANDREw LEWIS.
Williamsburg, May 27th 1776.
DEAR GENERAL,
On the 23r,' instant I was informed that the Enemy
had abandoned their Post at Portsimouth and that their
Fleet had fell down to the Mouth of Jamles River, and
ranged themselves oplosite to Hampton, to whllich
place I rode on the 24th and found them as reported.
On the 25th in the Evening they got under sail and fell
down to the Road. On the 26th early in the morning
they appeared to stand out to sea, but instantly tacked
about and ran up the Bay, having a strong and fair
wind, by one o'clock about 50 of the Fleet reached the
Mouth of Peanketank.  Col. Dangerfield marched what
men he had towards the Fleet; when within a mlile and
a half of them, he met a flag from Dunimore requesting
liberty to water and purchase provision, which was refused. I have ordered all of Col. Dangerfield's Battalion on this side York River to join him. with all possible
speed. I am not apprehensive of any other ill consequences attending froml the present station of the Fleet,
than their possessing themselves of what stock is upon
Gwins Island at the nmouth of Peanketank. Had I
known of such Island and stock, which is said to be
considerable, I should have (long e'er now) ordered
every Thing that could have contributed to the support
of the Enemy to be removed. I send you a Letter I




THE LEE PAPERS.                43
received from Col~ Reed, who thinks his information
may in a great measure be depended on. Its more than
probable Lord Duinmore is but too well informed, that
the MIarylanders are greatly divided in sentiment with
Regard to the measures necessary to be pursued in Defence of the Common Cause (the Curse of Scotland attend the disaffected for such they must be who endeavour
to throw obstructions in the way of such who are declaring for Independence) this may prompt him to take post
in Kent Island. He may have something further in
view, in case General Clinton and he have concerted a
Plan, by which Clinton is to act in this Government
with his Arnmy, he may hope, that our Troops Awill be
drawn from  their present stations in order to oppose
him where he may take post, or endeavour to distress
the Inhabitants by the advantage lie has of armled vessels, which would give Clinton an opportunity of effecting his Puirposes without much opposition.  Since I
Arlote the above we have the disagreeable news from
Quebec, wAhich you will receive with this. Mortifying
indeed, that our cannon, small arms, and powder should
fall into the Hands of our Enemies without Resistance.
This unhappy affair will I am afraid fix the Indians
(who were too much inclined to our Enenlies) against
us.  We have most alarming Intelligence from  the
Cherokee Nation, many emissaries being amongst them
with a very large quantity of powder, and their declared Intention of acting against us. The Companies
of the 4th and 5th Battalions that were in this Quarter
have nlarched to Suffolk and the great iBridge, those of
the 1st and 2nd whonl they were to relieve, or have by
this time relieved, not come, nor do I know that they
are got on their march —Col~ 3MIercers are on their
march, this Day they were to leave Fredericksburg, so
that at present (Col. Dangerfields being on their march
to join him) we have but very few to do Duty of any
kind, and must remain so untill those ordered to this
Place reach us. Mr Stradler reports that it would take
two or three hundred men several months to make such




44               THE LEE PAPERS.
works at Batchelors Point as would prove effectual, this
being the Case in our present weak state cannot undertake it. We cannot by any means spare more than
two Companies at Burwell's Ferry, so that the Aorks
at that Place must go on but slowly, until we are reinforced. M' Hunter is directed to send down the large
Rifles as soon as possible. The Quarter- Master General
is causing slings to be made for the Grenadiers. The
small number of Smiths we have are not at all equal to
the work, nor have I been able to procure more. I have
advertised for some Smiths. I wish it may prove a
means of procuring those very necessary workmen —Mr
Stradler for want of proper Instruments (as he tells me)
has not been able to make a satisfactory Report of the
Practicability of erecting a Battery to correspond with
that at James Town. The works at York and Hampton goes on as well as can be expected from the number
at those Stations. I expect Mr Madison who was sent
to the back country to purchase Rifles down soon with
what he has purchased the number not yet known, but
I am told pretty considerable-since you left us a considerable number of firelocks has been brought from
Pensylvania, but so exceedingly bad that they could
not be received, and are carried back. I have this nmoment by express from  Col. Dangerfield Information
that two or three hundred of the Enelmy have landed
on Gwins Island, and still continue to land fast. It's
said that the Distance between the Island and mainland
is near I of a mlile, that there are some thousands of
Sheep, great stocks of cattle and 10 or 12 poor Families. Is it not strange that none of the Gentlemen
who were acquainted with those circumstances ever
reported the Case, for my part I may with the greatest
Truth say, that I never heard of such a Place before
the Enemy reached it. Capt. Seyars has finished the
works at Cumberland very compleatly. The Brigantine Industry  and Cargo recommended by  Capt.
Lilly is paid for and I suppose by this time fitted
for his Purpose, but circumstances at present will




THE LEE PAPERS.               45
not permit the Experiment. I am with great respect
Dr General
Your most obt. and very Hulible Servt
ANjD' LEWIS.
FRoM RIICHARD HENRY LEE.
Philadelphia 27 May 1776.
MYN DEAR FRIEND,
The inclosed intelligence lately received from England, will give you a better idea of.the designs of our
enemies than any we have before received. In a letter I
have seen from London of unquestionable authority is
the following paragraph-" A General of the first abilities and experience would come over if he could have
any assurance from the Congress of keeping his rank,
but that being very high, he would not submit to have
any one but an American his superior, and that only in
consideration of the confidence due to an American in a
question so peculiarly American." Let me have your
opinion of this matter.  Prince Ferdinand's recolmmendation of the General mentioned above is in these
words " Si l'on veut un Officier aprouve, intelligent,
et brave; je ne scai si on peut trouver un autre qui le
vaille."
There is no person in America can answer this paragraph so well as yourself. Our friend Gates, who with
Generals Washington and Mifflin (the latter lately made
a Brigadier, and Mr Gates, a Major General) are now
here, is of opinion that the officer desiring to come to
America is Major General Beckwith.  But this is
merely conjecture, founded on the mans political principles, and his abilities as a Soldier. The papers I formerly sent you, with the evening post now enclosed,
will shew you the political convulsions of this Province,
but I incline to think that this sensible spirited people,
will not long be duped by Proprietary Machinations,
whatever may be the fate of Maryland. Apropos, what




46                THE LEE PAPERS.
do you think of the representative bodies of this latter
Province? Of all the extraordinary Phenomena of this
extraordinary age, these are the most extraordinary!
Is the Convention of Maryland, a Conclave of Popes, a
mutilated legislature, or an Assembly of wise Alen?
By the manner in which they dispense with Oaths, it
wv seem they conceived of themselves as the first of
those, for surely a mutilated legislature, an unorganized
government cannot do what these men by their Resolve
of May the 1 5th have undertaken-Nor is their 2d resolve
of the 21st better founded, unless they can shew, which
I believe is not in their power, that the people had in
contemplation these things when they chose them, and
elected them accordingly.  What do these folks mean
by a " Reunion with G. Britain on contstitautional 2prii.
cipies? "  I profess I do not understand them, nor do I
bolieve the best among them have any senlsible ideas
annexed to these terms.  But I have done with them
being satisfied they wAill never figure in history amlong
the Solons, Lycurgus's, or Alfred's. Our Commissioners in Canada seem to be on the fright, but I hope
Thomas, Sullivan, Thomson, &c will restore the spirits
with our affairs in that Province.  The disgrace apart,
our late capture of the valuable Transport to the Eastward, much more than compensates for the loss before
Quebec.  The Continental armed Ship, Franklin has certainly taken & secured a most valuable Transport with 75
Tons of Gunpowder 1000 stand of arms, and a variety
of other useful articles valued at ~a50,000, this money.
The sensible and manly resolve of Virginia of the 15~th
instant has gladdened the hearts of all wise and worthy
men here.  It will powerfully contribute to sett things
riglht in these Proprietary governments.  WVe have here
4 Tribes of the Six Nation Indians, and yesterday we
had between 2 & 3 thousand men paraded on the Common to their great astonishment and delight.  We hope
effectually to secure the friendship of these people.
Farewell dear Sir, and be assured you have my
hearty wishes for success and happiness.  Can't Clinton




THE LEE PAPERS.               47
(if he is on shore) be disturbed before the rest of his
Myrmidons join him?
My compliments to Gen. Howe.
RICHARD HENRY LEE.
Gen. Lee.
Comm anlder of the Continental Armies in the
Southern Department at Williamsburg,
Virginia
RICHARD HENRY LEE TO Tno.rxAS  LUD LEE.
Philadelphia, 2Sth May 177 6.
MY DEAR BROTIIER,
This is Post morning and I am obliged on a Committee of conference with the Generals Washington,
Gates, & Mifflin by 9 on the operations of this Campaign, so that I cannot possibly write to many of my
friends and particularly Col~ Mason. Pray make my
compliments to him, let him have the news sent, and
apologize for me. Colo Nelson is not arrived, but I
suppose he will by this day sennight, about which time
I shall sett out for Virginia, and after resting at home
a day or two, will attend the Convention at -Williamsll
burg. The sensible and spirited resolve of my Countrymen on the 15th has gladdened the heart of every friend
to human nature in this place, and it will have a
wonderful good effect on the misguided Councils of
these Proprietary Colonies. What a scene of determined rapine and roguery do the German treaties
present to us, and Ld Dartmouths answer to the Duke
of Graftons motion, 16'th March, has shut the mouths of
all Gapers after Commissioners. The transport Prize
taken to the Eastward is extremely apropos.  The
vessel and Cargo are valued at ~()50,000. We are not
without hopes of getting some more of the samle flock,
if fortune should have separated them from the Shepherd, they will most probably fall. This is the Campaign that we shall be most tried in probably, and we




48              TIHE LEE PAPERS.
should endeavour as far as human care can go to be
more invulnerable than Achilles, not exposing even the
heel, where the stake is so immense. We have not
lately heard from Canada, but we hope for better news
soon than our last. A potent push will assuredly be
made there this Summer by our enemies, and if we can
prevent them from  communicating with the UTpper
Country, and thereby debauching the Indians, we shall
answer every good purpose there.  The Roebuck is
gone from here crippled, but the Liverpoole remains
thinly manned and in want of provisions. It is to be
hoped that the death of the King of Portugal will produce something in Europe favorable to us. Let no
consideration interrupt your attention to the making of
Common Salt, Salt Petre & Arms; and every kind of
encouragement should be given to all sorts of useful
manufacture.
Farewell my dear brother
RICHARD HENRY LEE.
Our brothers in London were well, the 13. Febry.
last. I write Gen. Lee by this post-do see that the
letter is forwarded from Williamsburg.
R. H. LEE.
Thomas Lud Lee, Esquire
at Williamsburg, in Virginia.
FRton LIEUT. COLONEL S. ELBERT.
Savannah 28th May, 1776.
SIR,
A few days since, I received a pacquet from Thomas
Bullett, Esq. Deputy Adjutant General of the Southern
District, directing that a return of the Georgia Battalion of Continental Troops be immediately made to
your Excellency; in compliance therewith I take the
first opportunity of Inclosing the same.




THE LEE PAPERS.               49
The number of Alen we have at present, tho' far
short of the Coomplinelnt, by much Exceed our expectations, considering the Infant state of the Colony, anid at
the same time a lnuch larger Bounty given by our
Neighbouring Province, in their Provincial Service, however, this you may depend upon, Sir, that the Officers
& what Soldiers we have are unexceptionable, and such
as will acquit themselves with Honor, whenever put to
trial; pity it is, that they are badly armed, worse
clothed, and have no Camp Equipage at all, notwithstanding which I am certain, so hearty are they in the
Glorious Cause of their Country, that they would Chearfully take the Field when necessary, tho' they should
have no other covering but the Canopy of Heaven.
We have undoubted Information of about a Thousand Ministerial Troops being the other day at St.
Augustine, an Hundred of them with proper Officers
have marchedl for the Creek Nation of Indians, with
intent, no doubt, to be assisted by those Savages in
making a diversion on our Western Boundary.
This being the only Province from  which our
Enemies could get fresh provisions, on account of our
inability to oppose them, I submit to your Excellency's
Judgnment, rwhlether an immediate  additional Force
rmight not be necessary to prevent them, should they
make an attempt, in order to supply their Friends, who
may be acting against the Carolina's & Virginia which'tis very probable they intend by having such a force
in the above Garrison.  Our Colonel McIntosh is at
present on some business to the Southward of the
province, he is expected to return in a few days when,
I have no doubt, he will give you every necessary information in his power. I have the Honor to be
Respectfully.
Your Excellency's most obedt Servt
S. ELBERT-Lieut' Col.
of the Georgia Battalion Continental Troops.
H-Is Excellency Major General Lee.
VOL. II.4




50               THE LEE PAPERS.
FROM ED3IUND PENDLET6N.
Wmsburg, Julne 1, 1776.
SIR,
I had the honor of laying your favor of the 24th
before the Convention, who were much [conce]rned to
hear of the mutinous temper of the Troops in [the]
8th Regiment, and will consider of some remedy to
check the progress of that alarming evil. The still uncertain destination of Gen' Clinton's Troops would
have made it proper for us to continue the assistance
of our Minutemen and Militia, formerly ordered to
2North Carolina; but unluckily a Sew days ago on a
report that the Enemy had certainly left Cape Fear,
and that you were on your return to this Colony, the
convention ordered Expresses to be sent to stop the
march of those men, directing them to Rendezvous at
certain places and wait for Orders to repair to any part
of this Colony, where they might be wanting. This
step, encouraged by the opinion of the two Gentlemen
from North Carolina, that the assistance was not wanting there, I hope may not prove detrimental to the
Service.
I am with great regard, Sir,
Your mo. obedt Servant
EDMD PENDLETON, pr
Hon. Major Gen. Lee.
To EDMUND PENDLETON.
Wilmington, 1 June, 1776.
Sin,
The whole enemy's fleet have sailed from Cape
Fear, the first division on Wednesday, the last yesterday;' but it is far from being ascertained whether they
have steered their course to the northward or to the




THE LEE PAPERS.                 51
southward.  The people here are all of opinion that
Charleston is their object.  For my own part I do not
see on what they ground this persuasion.  However,
as South Carolina is weaker in numbers than Virginia,
I have ordered AMuhlenberg's regiment, at a venture,
to Charleston immediately; as also a detachment of
seven hundred men from this place.  I have been also
under the necessity of stripping this Province of sixteen
hundred pounds of gunpowder, which I must replace
from Virginia.
As this colony is now apparently no longer in danger,
I shall send an express to stop your militia, as they may
be wanted more in their own Province, and will now
be an unnecessary expense.
I shall myself set out for Charleston tomorrow, but
at the same time confess, I know not whether I shall
go to or from the enemy; but if that capital is really
their object, their whole force will be collected in one
point, their operations will be more regular, and, consequently, my presence as Commander-in-chief of the
district,  more requisite; whereas, if Virginia is their
object, it is possible and probable their operations may
be merely predatory and piratical.  If such are their
intentions, I am confident that your own officers will
have little or no occasion for the advice or assistance
(such as they are) of, Sir, &~
CHARLEs LrEE.
P. S. As I have not much time, and indeed there
being no absolute necessity of troubling the Congress
with any circumstances farther than expressed in this
letter, I must entreat, Sir, that you will send a. copy of
it to the Congress.




5-2              THE LEE PAPERS.
FRnor BRIG. GEN. ANDREW LEwIS.
Williamsburg, June 3rd 1776.
D1  GEN
lr Massenburg sets out to wait on you after being
detained several Days by sickness. I am obliged to
give him an Order on the Quarter Master for a Horse,
and tho' he has received to the value of twenty Pounds
from Col. Woodford, which amounts to more than his
pay, that sum being necessarily expended, I have given'
him an order on the Paymaster for twenty five dollars,
thinking it necessary he should wait on you with all
possible expedition. In my last to you I mentioned
the Enemy's landing on Gwin's Island. I lost no Time
in going to discover the situation of the Enemy. I
found them in possession of the Island. They had
thrown up part of a strong like Battery with some out
works, exclusive of an Intrenchmuent across a narrow
part of the Island, and had several armed vessels between the Island and the Main Land, this was a circumstance which I little expected, as I had been told
our men could wade to the Island, and at the very
place where we found armed sloops and Tenders get in
without the least obstruction. This being the case, all
I could do was to post Col. Dangerfield's Battalion so
as to prevent as much as possible any connection between Lord Dunmore's Banditti and the disaffected &
Negroes. I ordered a Battery to be erected at the
Narrows to prevent the Vessels getting out, as they
must return within sixty yards of our works, there
being a shoal that makes out at the lower end of the
Island two miles towards the Bay, but this cannot be
waded but at low water, and then up to the mens
Breasts, and that for four Miles exposed to the Fire
of as many of the Fleet as the Enemy might think
proper to lay near the shoals. I have ordered down
four pieces of Cannon, and hope to be able to oblige
the Enemy to burn the Vessels that have got in to




THE LEE PAPERS.               53
the Narrows. I propose sending three companies to
reinforce Col. Dangerfield's battalion or more should
I find Dunmore reinforced, but this will not be an easy
matter to comle to the knowledge of. The Fleet being
so frequently in motion, some running out and others
returning every Hour. I shall do everything in my
power to prepare for the Reception of the Enemy. I
am extreanfly willing to wish you a pleasing Tour and
every satisfaction you can wish for, but its morally impossible it can be the case.
I ama Dr General
Your most obedt. and very humble Servt.
ANDw LEWIS
Br Genl.
P. S. On being properly informed I find the stock
on the Island much less than at first represented, the
Cattle under 200, the sheep not more.
A. LEwIS,
On the Service of the United Colonies.
To the Honble Charles Lee,
Major Genl. and Commander in Chief of the
Continental Army in ye Southern District
p Mr Massenburg.
Mr. Massenburg has received fifteen dollars more
than mentioned within, in ye whole forty dollars.
FnoMi PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
June 4, 1776-5 o'clock, P.IM.
DEAR SIR,
I this moment received yours by Captain Mouat.
I wish you and a powerful reinforcement were now
here. For God's sake lose not a moment. There are
fifty sail or vessels at anchor off the bar, within sight




54                 THiE LEE PAPERS.
of the town, which will, I suppose, come in with tomorrow's tide, if the wind is not unfavourable.  Bring
us all the forces you can collect, to cope with this arma.
ment, either from North-Carolina, Virginia, or any part
of this Province you pass through. I send this express
to you, and send on the roads, and at the several ferries, to facilitate your march.
In haste, Yours sincerely
J. RUTLEDGE.
To the Honourable Major-General Lee.
To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Little River on the road to Charlestown,
June 6th, 1776.
SIR,
You will perceive from  the inclosed letters* the
necessity of reinforcing this Province & Georgia  the
Enemy will probably make it the Seat of war-Two
thousand men at least ought to be dispatch'd from
Pensylvania and Maryland to replace the Regiments I
shall order from Virginia. [Ten thousand weight of
powder is arrived safe at Charlestown.]
I am Sir, with the greatest Respect
Your most obt humnbl Servant
CHARLES LEE.
The Hon John Hancock.
* The letters inclosed were two from Gem. Armstrong, with the foregoing letter from President Rutledge, giving information that the enemy
had arrived off the bar at Charleston within sight of the town.




THE LEE PAPERS.              55
To BRIGADIER GENERAL L-EwIS.
Little River on the Road to Charlestown,
6th. June, 1776.
DEAR SIR,
On the receipt of this you must order as large a
body of the Regulars as can possibly be spared to
march to Cross Creek in North Carolina-you may
either do it by Regiments or Detachments-it is now I
think certain that South Carolina & Georgia are their
object —lay these inclosed Letters before the Convention-send Copies of them to the Convention of Maryland-perhaps that Province can spare a Battalion or
two for the defence of Virginia which may be replaced
from Pensylvania.
I am Dear General,
Yours
CHARLES LEE.
Be1 Genl Lewis, Williamsburg.
P.S. The Letter for the Congress should be dispatch'd immediately —if any Cavalry are raised detach
them.
To COLONEL MIOULTRIE.
Thursday Morning, six o'clock. [June 6, 1776.]
Sir: —I am extremely obliged to you for your activity and alertness. I beg you will order Long Island
to be reconnoitred well, and perhaps you will see a probability of attacking them with advantage from the
main; but this must be left to your own prudence. I
have ordered the two rascally carpenters who deserted,
to be searched for; if they can be found, I shall send
them bound to you. I do not myself much like the
scheme of retreating by boats; it cannot, I think, be
done without confusion. But I think you ought to




56              THE LEE PAPERS.
have two means of retreat; for which reason I must beg
that you will be expeditious in finishing the bridge;
and all the boats I can procure shall be likewise sent
to you. If possible I will visit you to day.
I am, dear Sir, yours,
CIHAnLEs LEE.
To Col. Moultrie.
To COLONEL MOULTRIE.
Charlestown, 8 o'clock, June 8th.
Sin: As we have received information that a body
of the enemy have landed, and are lodging themselves
on Long Island, and as the nature of the country is represented to me as favourable to Riflemen, I must request
that you immediately detach Thompson's and Sumpter's
regiments, Captains Alston's, Mayham's and Coutirier's
companies, to that Island, with orders to attack, and, if
possible, dislodge this corps of the enemy; but you
must, aj)ove all, take care that their retreat across the
breach from Long-Island to Sullivan's Island is secured
to them in case of necessity. For which purpose, you
are desired to move down to the point commanding the
breach two field pieces; the sooner it is done the better.
You are, therefore, to exert yourself in such a manner
that the attack may be made at break of day.
I am Sir, Yours,
CHARLES LEE,
To Col. Moultrie.              Major-General.
To COLONEL MOULTRIE.
Charlestown, June 8, 1776.
SIn,
I have ordered a considerable reinforcement of Riflemen to join Colonel Thompson, which, with the advan



THE LEE PAPERS.               57
tages of ground, ought to make you totally secure. I
shall be with you as soon as possible in the morning.
Mlr Bellamy will, I hope, be able to finish you a bridge
to morrow.
I am, Sir, your most Obedient Servant
CHARLES LEE.
To Col. Moultrie,
Sullivan's Island
PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE TO COLONEL AIOULTRIE.
June 9th 5 o'clock
The command of all the Regular forces and MNilitia
of this Colony, acting in conjunction with them, being
invested in Major-General Lee, orders issued by him
are to be obeyed.
J. RUTLEDGE.
To Col. Moultrie.
To COLONEL MOULTRIE.
June 10, 1776.
SIR,
You will receive a number of flats, ropes, and planks,
for the construction of bridges for your retreat. You
are to give a receipt, and be answerable for them.
I am Sir, yours
CHARLES LEE,
Major General.
Co]. Moultrie.
P. S. I find my last night's letter was not sent. I
beg you would send a few expert scouts to discover
what the enemy have done, or are doing; If it can
be done with the least probable advantage, put my last
night's orders in execution to-night.




5 8               THE LEE PAPERS.
FROMI COLONEL MOULTRIE.
Sullivan's Island, 7 o'clock June 10, 1776.
SIR:
I just now  received your orders for detaching
Thomlpson and Sumpter's regiments, Allston, Maham,
and Coutirier's companies. By date of your letter, it
seems as if you intended this business to have been
done this morning, but your letter came too late to
hand for that purpose. I shall send the detachment to
our advance guard, there to remain with their boats for
crossing them, hid till night, then shall embark them for
Long-Island, where they mlay be reconnoitring till daylight. I shall be obliged to your Excellency to send us
some person to finish our gate.
I am, Sir, your most obedient
WILLIA3 I MOULTRIE,
Col. 2d Regiment
To General Lee.
To COLONEL MOULTRIE.
June 10, 6 oclock P.Mi.
SIR:
I am  just returned from  an excursion into the
Country. As the large ships are now over the bar, and
as your bridge must be finished; I would wish you
would lay aside all thoughts of an expedition against
Long-Island, unless your scouts bring such intelligence
as almost to insure a successful stroke.
I am, Sir, Yours,
CHARLEs LEE.
To Col. Moultrie, Sullivans Island.




TIHE LEE PAPERS.              59
To COLONEL MOULTRIE.
June 10, 1776. 8 o'clock.
SIR:
As the Commodore's ship has passed the bar, and as
it is absolutely necessary for your, and the commnion
safety, that the bridge of retreat should be finished this
night; I would have you, by all means, to lay aside all
thoughts of the expedition against Long-Island; unless
you receive assurances from your scouts, that you may
strike an important stroke.
Yours
CHARLES LEE, Major General.
To Col. Moultrie.
To COLONEL MOULTRIE.
June 11, 1776.
SIR:
As the main body of Horry's Regiment are at
Point Haddrell, Mayham  and Coutirier's companies
should be included in the detachment to be sent to the
main.
CHARLES LEE.
To Col. Mouitrie.
To COIONEL MOULTRIE.
June 11, 1776.
SIR: I was much surprised that this morning the
Engineer should make a report to me that a bridge of
retreat was impracticable, as I understand that a few
days ago yourself and the other Field Officers gave it
as your opinions that it might be effected. If I had
boats, I should send them according to your request,




60               THE LEE PAPERS.
but they are not to be had. The flats, ropes, and anchors, were sent in consequence of your former opinion.
As I think your security will be much greater by posting a considerable body of Riflemen on the Continent
than on the Island, I must desire that you will immediately detach 400 of them to the continent: They are
to post themselves, or rather extend themselves, from
the left of Point Haddrell towards Long Island; by
which means they will be able to prevent the enemy
from erecting works, to cut off your retreat. I would
order the whole body off the Island, but apprehend
it might make your garrison uneasy. You must order
this body to be alert in patroling, and if there is not
natural cover in this range, they must throw up artificial ones. I request that this order may be instantly
obeyed-I amn Sir, yours
CHARLES LEE.
To Colonel Moultrie.
I had rather you would make up this detachment
500. I hope the point of your Island, opposite to Long
Island, is secured against the enemy lodging there. I
have ordered boats to be found, if possible.
C. L.
FrzOM THoMAs BURKE.
Tyaquin, June 11th 1776.
SIR,
This moment yours of the first Instant came to lmy
Hand. The Note Inclosed, directed to the Commanding Officer of the Corps of Virginia Forces, Intended
for the Station of Hillsborough, I will use nly best
endeavours to Transmit so soon as I can learn who he
is, or from what part of Virginia they are ordered, of
both I am now entirely uninformed having heard nothing of such destination until I received your Letter. If
I can get no information in my neighbourhood I will




THE LEE PAPERS.               61
send your Note to the Commanding Officer of Halifax
or Mecklinburg County which lyeing contiguous to this,
are most likely to have received orders to march hither.
I cannot say Sir, that I rejoice that the enemy have
abandoned their design on This Colony. Their Force
could not have effected' much against us, but they may
prove troublesome to some of our Southern Neighbours
who are probably not so well provided for Defence as
we are.
I beg leave Sir, to wish you all possible Success in
your Generous efforts for the Defence of the undoubted
Rights of Mankind, had the scene of action been where
we first Expected I intended to have put myself a volunteer under your command, and to have contributed
my little assistance towards that success which I am
assured would have attended your command. Remote
as the scene may be I shall not bear absence from it
wTith much patience, and were it not almost ruin to my
private affairs, no campaign should pass without receiving the little assistance I could. personally give, for
tho' I am no military character, nor ambitious of such
Distinction, the cause in which we are now etngaged, and
in which I have unremittingly struggled since the stamp
act makes me anxious to be a witness, and an actor
however Inconsiderable in every scene of Importance,
whether Military or Civil which may relate to it.
I have the honor to be with singular respect, Sir,
Your obedclt Servant,
Genl. Lee.                       TrIOs BURKE.
FRo~I COLONEL
Newbern, 12th of June, 1776.
I had the Honour to receive yr Excellency's Commands from Lt Col Irwin, relative to the March of the
Regiment under my Command; be assured, I shall at
all times with the greatest punctuality obey any orders
issued by you, or any commanding Officer.




62              -THE LEE PAPERS.
Since the receipt of the above, I have been favored
with a Letter from the Adjutant General directs Me
by your Orders to march with all possible dispatch to
Wilmington; which I shou'd instantly have complied
with, but for a very obvious Reason; the great want
of Money to pay the Soldiery, the Bounty Money, &
advance pay, I beg leave to be very candid with yr
Excellency: when the Regiment was in Edenton, with
the greatest difficulty I restrained their Inclination for
desertion, by assuming to pay all their debts in that
Town; by a promise to see their demands properly
satisfied on their arrival at Newbern and to prevent any
desertion on the Road; assured them that the Regiment
shou'd not proceed to Wilmington without their receiving satisfactory payments —lbeing fed up with these
Expectations, they behave themselves well, & I flatter
myself that I shall have it in my power to march to
WVilmington complete Company's.  As there has not
been any Person deputed to meet the Regiment in
Newbern, I am compelled to send an Express to Colo.
Blount at Halifax for the necessary sum of money. So
soon as officers and men are satisfied in their just
demands, I pledge my honor for their instant March.
I sincerely wish your Excellency all possible success,
and I am with much Respect
Sir, Your obed. Sert
On the Continental Service: Favored by Col. Salter.
To His Excellency Major General Lee.
FRnoM GEN. ANDREW  LEtWIS.
Williamsburg, June ye 12th 1776.
DEAR GENERAL,
I received your Favour dated Wilmington the first
of June, which was the first notice I had of Clinton's




THiE LEE PAPERS.             63
sailing from Cape Fear. As he has not yet appeared
on our Coast I have all the Reason imaginable to believe he has steered his course for Charles Town or
more Southernly. I had before the receipt of your
Letter wrote you twice (the first dated May the 27th,
the last June the 3rd) informing you of the Enemy's
abandoning their Post at Portsmouth, and the whole
Fleet sailing to Gwin's Island, &e to which Infornmation I can only add, that they are still in possession of
that Island. I have ordered several Pieces of Cannon
at Gloucester Town to be mounted, which the workmen are about, in order to have then mounted opposite the Enemy, and if possible to prevent some
small armed Vessels getting out which lie between the
mainland and the Island. I have sent under the ComIlmand of Colo Mercer three companies to reinforce Col~
Dangerfield's Battalion, and shou'd (e'er now) have
sent more, had it not been to us very uncertain what
steps Clinton might take. We have all the [nclination
you could wish to get on the Island, if we can by any
probable means make the attempt, this must altogether
depend on Circumstances.  Col. Stephens has taken
Post at Portsmouth, thinking it would answer better
Purposes to maintain that Ground than throw  up
works at the great Bridge, as he took this step without
any application to me, I make no doubt of his having
given you Information and expects Instructions on that
head. I never being on that ground cannot judge of
the propriety of his Measures. The Convention having had Mr Stadlers Case under Consideration refused
making any addition to his Pay, but on my Representation to the House, they without a dissenting voice have
allowed him all he asked, but under this restriction
no longer than he serves in this Colony. He is now
throwing up some works opposite to the Island, he
thinks it will be exceedinglydclifficult to make a battery
opposite to that at James Town, from which any thing
can be expected. I have information that six waggon
Loads of Powder have crossed this colony for the




64               THE LEE PAPERS.
Carolina's, but this wants confirmation. A small vessel
having got up safe to Fredericksburg (an account of
which you must have seen before this Time in the Papers) has landed five tons of powder for Continental
use. Should I find that the Seat of War for this season is
to be rather in Carolina than here, I shall order what
you think proper of the five Tuns to be hastened to
you, at all events shall order two Tuns immediately.
As the three Companies of Col~ Mercer's Battalion at
Alexandria are to be relieved by two companies of the
new raised men, the powder can be escorted by them
to this place, and ordered to Halifax, where I hope it
will be received by a Guard and forwarded. Your
directions for a Guard from that Place might be necessary. The Committee of Safety knows of a IResolve of
Congress that 5000 blankets should be bought and sent
here, and some private Letters say that they are bought.
That's all we know of them.  We have not linen sufficient for our small army in this Colony, I shall send
100lb of bark with the powder.  I shall write the
Congress as you direct, Doctor William Rickman is appointed Director and Chief Physician of the General
Hospital.  He arrived yesterday.  None of the rowgallies yet fitted out, but some of them  soon will.
Capt. Lilly's preparations have been mluch more tedious
than I expected, he says he will be able to make some
attempt next week. We have got some more armorers
and hope to have soon an addition to the number.
Our men took a small sloop endceavouring to get out
of the Narrows between the Island and our breastwork.  She having run a Ground, a few men in two
small Canoes boarded her, five men who were all her
crew  endeavoured to escape by swimming  three of
which were shot from the shoar and sunk. Two hogsheads of Brandy, I Ditto of Rum, some tools and ropes
with some provisions were taken out for the use of
our Troops there, who were in need of the brandy and
rum, as the water is very bad.  Deserters say that
Lord Duumnnore is in dayly expectation of two Regi



THE LEE PAPERS.                85
ments-a great mortality among the Enemy, some of
both white and black are discovered floating  every
Day. Adieu Dear General, may Heaven prosper you.
My Compliments to General Howe and the Gentlemen
of your Family.
I am with great Respect
Your most obedt & very hble Servt
ANDIW LEWIS.
The Honble Charles Lee,
Major Genl & Comr of the Cont' Army in the
Southern District of North America.
Since I closed this letter I received a commission
for Hugh Mercer, Es(q. appointing him Brig. Genl. he
is ordered to N. York immediately. This gives me
both pleasure & pain.                  A. LEWIS.
GENERAL ORDERS.
12th June, 1776.
UProN any alarm the different corps are to repair to
the following places of rendezvous.
The artillery regiment, and militia acting as artillery,
to their stations heretofore allotted them.  The remainder of the town militia to the State House. The
country militia, in that part of Lynch's pasture, nearest
the town.
The North-Carolina troops, in a distinct line on the
more remote part; at least two hundred yards in the
rear, of the country militia.
The town-mlilitia are to receive their orders from
Brigadier General Armstrong.
The country militia, from Brigadier General Howe.
The [North-Carolina forces are to be considered as a
corps of reserve; and to be under the immediate commalnd of General Lee.
VOL. II.- 5




6 G              THE LEE PAPERS.
FRnoi COLONEL GADSDEN.
Fort Johnson, 12 June,'76.
SIRY
I have the Honour to send to your Excell. by Colo
Pinckney a Return of Col~ Hluger's and my Regt besides
these Capt. Stones Company of James Island militia is
also under my Con-mmand consisting of about sixty men,
thirty of which are kept constantly on the Patrol Duty
watching the Enemy's motions at the different Landings within seven Miles of us, the other thirty are
always in readiness to assist at the Western Battery.
We have 43 Cannon mounted at this Fort & the Battery, and as Col. Hugers men are all just rais'd, & thirty-six of my own Regiment, new recruits, none of which
have been used to Cannon, they must be extremely
awkward thereat. Many of our Cannon are very heavy
& require a great number of men, & should we have
warm work, and the Enemy attempt to land we can
spare but a very small body to oppose them without
leaving many of the Cannon.
Our Carpenters & Labourers have deserted us mlany
Days since, which has put our works entirely to a stand,
were it not for this, in a very few days more I cou'd
have the Curtain of the upper Battery compleate, so
that the Platform  might be ready to be laid the moment the plank arrived.
I beg leave to refer your Excelly. to Col~ Pinckney
for any Thing relative to the Regimm  I shall be always
ready with the greatest Pleasure to execute any of your
Excellyf Commands, & am
Yr. Excellys most obed. hble Servant
CHRIST GADSD-EN.
P. S. One of the Eneimy's Tenders drove by the
Gale almost in reach of our Cannon, the Enemly thought
proper to abandon her, about half an hour ago, and one
of our Pilots has taken possession of her, and is bring



THE LEE PAPERS.                67
ing her up. I am in hopes this Stormn will do the Enemy's Business yet.'Tis now the 13th  The above is what I intended to
have sent to y' Excelly. yesterday but the weather prevented me. The two large ships of the Enemy that
were at Anchor off the Bar are drove from their anchors and not to be seen. A sloop also of theirs we
imagine must be drove ashore, as we see nothing of her.
To His Excellency Major Gen. Lee,
Commander in Chief of the Continental
and Colonial Forces acting in conjunction
from Virginia to South Carolina
To COLONEL MOULTRIE.
Charlestown, June 13, 1776.
Sin:
As I am extremely solicitous for the honour and
safety of you and the troops under your command, and
as I am myself persuaded that your danger or safety
depends entirely on the strength or weakness of the
corps stationed on the other side of the creek; I must
request that when the necessary works proposed are
finished, you will detach at least another hundred men
to strengthen this corps. I wish you would send me
an exact state of your ammunition, that you. may be
supplied accordingly.  His Excellency the President
complains that several boats have been lost at your station: As so much depends on these boats, I nmust desire that you will put them under a sufficient guard:
Oblige the officer commanding the guard, to give a
receipt for their number, and be accountable for them.
I am, Sir, your most obedient Servant
CHARLES LEE.
To Colonel Moultrie.




68               THE LEE PAPERS.
To COLONEL HORRY.
Charlestown, June ye 14th, 1776.
SIR,
I consider the safety of the Fort and Garrison on Sullivan's Island as entirely depending on your Post, and on
the activity and vigilance of the Corps of Riflemen extending from the left of your post along that Creek that
separates Sullivan's Island from the Continent. This
Corps I would still further reinforce, but have it not
at present in my power; they are, however, so formidable a Body of men, that with your Spirit and Industry there is the greatest probability that they will be
able to check, if not totally defeat any attempt of the
Enemy on that side.
As the old field where you are stationed (if I recollect right) affords no natural shelter for Riflemen, I
would recommend it to you to intersect it with a number of small trenches, at the distance of sixty or seventy yards, one in the rear of the other. They should
be shallow, and the dirt thrown out towards the enemy, as otherways when possessed of, they would serve
the enemy for protection, as well as they had done for
yourselves. I desire that you will be very punctual in
making a Report when anything extraordinary happens, and constant in making returns of your own
corps. I am, sir, your most ob't humble servant,
CHARLES LEE
To Col. Horry,
Hattoral's Point.
To COLONEL MOULTRIE.
Haddrell's Point, June 15, 1776.
SIR;
I have stationed Brigadier General Armstrong at
this place; You are to make all your reports to him,




THE LEE PAPERS.                 69
and in all respects to consider him as your commanding
officer.
I am, Sir, your most obedient Servant
CHARLES LEE
To Col. Moultrie
GENERAL ORDERS.
15th June, 1776.
THE Guards henceforward, are to be conmposed of
the following numbers:
One field-officer, 3 captains, 9 subalterns, and 200
rank and file, are to form the main guard, at the StateHouse.
One captain, 3 subalterns, 4 serjeants, and 72 rank
and file, at the Distillery to the left of the Magazine.
A captain, with the same number as the former, to
mount at Gadsden's wharf.
A subaltern, 2 serjeants, 2 corporals, and 24 privates
at the Magazine.
A subaltern, with the same number as the former,
at the point behind Gibbes' wharf.
One subaltern, 2 serjeants, 2 corporals, 24 privates,
at the fleche which is thrown up a little to the right of
Grimball's Battery.
One subaltern, 2 serjeants, 2 corporals, with the
same number of privates, in the rear of Grenville's
Bastion.
One subaltern, 2 serjeants, 2 corporals, 24 privates,
at the Exchange.
One subaltern, 2 serjeants, 2 corporals, with the same
number of privates, at Rose's wharf.
One captain, 3 subalterns, 4 serjeants, 72 rank and
file at St. Philip's Church.
The two brigades, are to post the centries of the
different guards, in such a manner, that the whole may
furnish an equal proportion.




70                THE LEE PAPERS.
Every Corps de Guarde which mounts on the quais,
is to throw up fleches cannon-proof, at their respective
stations; after the model of that, to the right of Grinmball's Battery.
A  field-officer of the day, is to be immediately
warned; who is to be received by all the guards as well
as the centries, with rested arms: he should be furnished with some mark of distinction-for instance, a
spontoon, or halfpike, in his hand.
The guards are to turn out, and rest their arms
when his Excellency the President or the Major General
pass by; but this only once a day to each.
The Brigadiers, are to be received by the guards,
with shouldered arms.
The Major General, wears a blue ribbon; as a
badge of his rank, and by which he may be known.
The Brigadier Generals, a pink ribbon.
Rounds, are to go five times a night, and are to be
regulated in the following manner.  The field-officer,
commlanding the main guard, to go at eleven.  The
field-officer of the day, to go at twelve.  The three
captains of the main guard, at half past one, three, and
at day-break.  The countersign will be sent by the field.
office,' of the day, to the field-officer commanding the
main guard at retreat beating: who, is to send it enclosed, and sealed, to the officers of the different guards.
No person, either military or resident, of this town,
to pass the centries after nine, and tattoo beating; without giving the countersign.
16th June 1776.
PATROLS, are to go, every hour of the night; from
the beating of the tattoo, to the revellie.
Of the main guard, to consist of a serjeant and 12
men.
The patrol of each captain's guard, to consist of a
corporal and 6 men.




THE LEE PAPERS.                71
The patrol of a subaltern, of a lance corporal, and
3 men.
The patrol of the main guard, to take Broad-street
and Old Church-street, from the State House, to the
two extremities and back, as likewise Queen and Tracdstreets.
The patrol at Gadsden's wharf guard, is to pass to
and from the Governor's Bridge.
The patrol of the subaltern's guard at the Governor's
Bridge is to pass to and from Cannon's Battery —that
of Cannon's Battery, to and from Philip's Battery —
that of Philip's Battery, to and from Lyttleton's Bastion-that of Lyttleton's Bastion, to and from the guard
on the right of Wilkins' Battery —to and from Gibbes'
wharf; and communications behind the barricadoes will
be opened for this purpose.
The patrol on Gibbes' wharf, to pass to and from
the Distillery.
The patrol of the Distillery, to pass to and from
Cummings' Battery, from thence to the new Carolina
Barracks.
The captain's guard, which will be posted some
where in Squirrel-street, is to take patrol up and down
George-street; and froml  the New  Barracks, to St
Philip's Church, as likewise the whole of the Boundarystreet from one extremnity to another.
These different patroles are to prevent disorders, and
any number of people assembling together; likewise,
to oblige all those who keep public-houses, to send
away their guests, at the hour prescribed by his Excellency the President in Council.
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown, June 16th 1776.
DEAR SIR,
I shou'd leave the Parole & Countersign entirely to
you, as I think it due to your rank & presidency in




72               THE LEE PAPERS.
your own Province; but as it is perhaps politic at
this juncture to hold up in all the Colonies the Continental Officers as objects of the greatest respect, We
will give them alternately if you have no objection to
it-the Adjutant General will repair to you for the
Parole this day before orderly time-if busyness calls
you out you can leave it seal'd up for him. He will
before retreat beating repair to you in like manner for
the Countersign-to morrow I shall give them-As the
admitting boats after sunset into all parts of the Town,
may be attended with much danger, I wish you wou'd
appoint one particular place where they alone can be
admitted.
I am Dear Sir, &c
CIIAIRLES LEE.
P. S. Don't you think, Sir, it wou'd be right to
order all the tipling Houses to be shut up before tat-too
beating.
To His Excellency John Rutledge,
President and Comnmander in Chief
of the Province of South Carolina.
FROM COLONEL PATTEN.
Little River, 17th June 1776.
SIR,
On my march from Wilmington to Little River the
Express from Philadelphia came up with me on the
Road: I being some Distance ahead of the Troops, had
it not in my power to write, but desired him to acquaint
you what time I should be at the Boundary. Capt Gray
of the 3rd Regiment came with me within eight AMiles
of the Boundary on his way to Charlestown, but left
the Regiment without acquainting me of his going of,
but I expected he would have waited on your Excellency




THE LEE PAPERS.               73
to Lett you know of my arrival-have likewise Wrote
by the Post, but by receiving no orders from you
Imagine they have all fail'd: that now I send by
Express-agreeable to Gen' Mores Orders have placed
a Subaltoons guard on the Bank to watch the motions
of the fleet, but have made no Discoveries. I have
nothing in particular to acquaint you off-Except forty
head of Cattle that was Drove from the Neighbourhood
of Lockwoods Folley the Day before I marched, through
their to the men of Warr: which that and many other
Reasons Convinces me that the most part of that
Neighbourhood are Torreys. I took a Prisoner there
that had been sent from on Board the Man of Warr, to
watch our motions, and delivered him to the Capt. of
the Militia to send to Wilmington, but as soon as I was
gone swas sett att Liberty-think it would not be amiss
to place a few Continental Troops their to keep them
in order.  I have Reconnighted this place as Well as I
could and find that their is an Inlett, Eight Miles to the
Southward of Lockwood's Folley called Shelott, that
their is Fourteen feet of Water over the Barr, and
Twelve feet over the Barr of Little River that any of
their small Vessells might come in and suplie the Whole
Fleet with fresh Provisions; as the stocks of cattle is
Large their-Exceept their is a force to Repell them.
Should be glad of Your Orders by the Bearer,
Am Your most hble Servt
JOHN PATTEN
GENERAL ORDERS.
Charles-town, June 19th, 1776.
As it now appears almost a certainty, (from the intelligence of some deserters,) that the enemy's intention
is to make an attack on the city; and as the General is
confident, that the numbers and spirit of the garrison
will prevent their landing, it only remains to guard




74                THE LEE PAPERS.
against the injury which the city may receive from
their cannon.
The continental troops, provincials, and militia, are,
therefore, imost earnestly conjured to work with no less
alacrity, than fight with courage. Courage alone will
not suffice in war: true soldiers and magnanimous
citizens must brandish the pick-axe and spade, as well
as the sword, in defence of their country; one or two
days labour, at this critical juncture, may not only save
many worthy families from ruin, but,many worthy individuals from loss of limbs and life.  On this principle
the General does not, simply in his capacity of commanding officer, order, but entreat the whole garrison,
(those on the'necessary duties excepted,) to exert thenmselves in forwarding the requisite works of protection.
The colonels or commanding officers of the corps are
to review their men's arms this evening at roll calling;
to take care they are in as good order as possible, and
that they are furnished with good flints. The officers
commanding the different guards are to do the same
with their respective guards.
For the future it must be observed, as an established
rule, that no artillery officer fires a single cannon without previously acquainting the General.
To COLONEL GADSDEN.
Charlestown, June 19th, 1776.
DEAR Sin;
As from the intelligence we have received fromn Deserters, we have the strongest reason to believe that the
Tyrants Troops have not the least idea of attacking
your Fort-but that their Scheme is in two Corps to
make an attempt on the Town at the same time on Point
Huteral or Fort Sullivan, and, as now your WVestern
Battery is given up, it appears that you have actually
more men than your Fort will contain —I must request




THIE LEE PAPERS.              ~5
that you will immlediately reinforce the Town (which
is much too thinly garrison'cl) with Col' Huge's Regiment —if indeed you wish to retain a subaltern and
twenty-five to man the three Guns of the Western Battery —l have no objection —I rely so much on your good
sense, calmness and discretion, that I flatter myself
when the Enemy pass your Fort not a single Gun will
be fired at too great a distance-not a single Gun, but
when you have the greatest probability of its being fired
with effect.
I am Dear Sir,
Your most Obedt Servant,
CHARLES LEE.
Colonel Gadsden, Fort Johnson.
To COLONEL PATTEN.
Charlestown, 19th June, 1776.
SIR,
It is extremely unfortunate that General Moore
shou'd not in consequence of -my last Letters have order'd you forward to this place-I must therefore entreat that you will march with all possible expedition
as it is of the last importance.
I am Sir,
Your Most Obt Servant
CHARLES LEE.
To Colonel Patten, or Officer Commanding
the division of North Carolina Troops
at the Boundary House.




I7c6              THE LEE PAPERS.
To COLONEL THO~IPsoN.
Charlestown 21st June, 1776.
It is a certain truth that the Enemy entertain a
most unfortunate apprehension of American Rifle Men
— it is equally certain that nothing can contribute to
diminish this apprehension so infallibly as a frequent
ineffectual fire —it is with some concern therefore that
I am informl'd that your Men have been suffer'd to fire
at a most preposterous distance; upon this principle, I
must entreat and insist that you consider it as a standing order that not a muan under your Command is to
fire at a greater distance than an hundred and fifty
yards at the utmost —in short that they never fire without almost a moral certainty of hitting their object —
distant firing has a double bad effect, it encourages the
Enemy, and adds to the pernicious perswasion of the
American soldiers —vizt thact they a c'e no matcht for'e their
Antazcgonists at close ft:ghtinyg-to speak plainly, it is almost a sure nmethod of making'em  Cowards —once
more I must request that a stop be put to this childish,
vitious &  scandalous practice —I extend the rule to
those who have the care of the Field Pieces —four hundred yards is the greatest distance they should be allowed to fire at —a transgression of this rule will be
considered as the effect of flurry and want of courage.
Those who are accused of transgressing will be proceeded against as acting from these principles: I have,
Sir, the greatest opinion of your good. sense and spirit
and flatter myself that you will not only issue ordelrs of
restriction on this head, but that you will be attentive
that they are rigorously put in execution, and am Sir,
Your most obet humble Servant
CnARLEs LEE.
P. S. I am  likewise informed that your men pass
without order or orders to Long Island-Is this wise?




THE LEE PAPERS.                 77
is it Soldier like? is it to shew the Enemy where our
weakness is? I confess I am astonish'd at such enormities —I positively order, Sir, that an immediate check
be put to these abominations.  I expect compliance,.&
will not excuse such violation of discipline for the future.
To Colonel Thompson,
at Sullivan's Island.
To COLONEL -MOULTRIE.
Charlestown, 21st June, 17 76.
SIR,
Inclosed is a Letter for Colonel Thompson; I send
it open that you may read it, for allowing for the difference of his circumstances as a Rifle Officer, the spirit
of the orders is to extend to the whole —no vague uncertain firing either of Rifles, Muskets or Cannon is to
be permitted —Soldiers running at random wherever
their folly directs is an absolute abomination not to be
tolerated —for Heaven's sake, Sir, as you are in a most
importanlt Post-a Post where you have an opportunity of acquiring great honor —-exert yourself —by exerting yourself, I mean, when you issue any orders, suffer'em not to be trifled with-every body is well perswaded of your Spirit and zeal, but they accuse you of
being too easy in command —that is, I suppose too relaxed in Disciplin-thaa nb which ii your situation give
me leave to say, there cannot be a greater vice-let your
orders be as few as possible —but let'em be punctually
obeyed.  I wou'd not recommend teizing your Men &
Officers with superfluous duties or labor, but I expect
that you enforce the execution of whatever is necessary
for the honor and safety of your Garrison —shou'd any
mnisfortune happen which can be attributed to negli



78                THIE LEE PAPERS.
gence or inertness on this head, the weight [of] censure
will scarcely fall less heavily upon you, than should it
arise from  a deficiency of Courage —but as you are
known to possess sufficiently of this last attribute, your
Friends are only apprehensive on the other score. You
will excuse the prolixity and didactick stile of this Letter, as it arises not only from my anxiety for the public,
but in some measure from my concern for the reputation of a Gentleman of so respectable a Character as
Colonel Moultrie —but enough of this at present.  Before you employ your Engineer in any work, satisfy
yourself well that he understands the principle of the
work he undertakes, and the mode of executing it-for
instance: does he understand what is the necessary degree of talus for the Traverse in the Fort? if I recommlend the construction of an advanced Fleche on the
right flank of your Fort to impede the Enemy's approaches, will he comprehend it'! if he does not, I will
send Mr. Byrd —I shall order some timber for this purpose to be carried to you. I desire you will put a
commission'd officer (and a good officer) at the breach
to prevent the monstrous disorders I complain of.
I aim Sir, with the greatest respect
Your most humble Servant,
CHARLEs  LEE.
To Colonel Moultrie,
Sullivan's Island.
To COLONEL MOULTRIE. 
June 21st, 1776.
SIR:
I am extremely concerned to hear that the traverse
which I had orderedl to be tlhrown up, and which is
really of the greatest importance, should be so illy executed as to threaten a speedy fall; surely Mr. De
Brahmn, the Engineer, must be acquainted with the de




THE LEE PAPERS.                 79
gree of talus necessary in all works —For God's sake
enjoin him to correct the evil before it is too late —At
any rate devise the means of preventing its ruin —I must
likewise express my concern when I am told that your
gunners are suffered to fire at the enemy when it is
almost impossible that their fire should have any effect.
I must desire you, Sir, that you must establish it as an
eternal rule, that no piece of ordnance, great or small,
should be fired at a greater distance than four hundred
yards; but all orders will be in vain unless you make
an example of the first who disregards your orders. Is
Bellamy with you? Has he begun the second bridge?
I hope you will keep him on the Island until he has filnished the work.
I am, Sir, your most obedient Servant
CHARLES LEE.
To Colonel Moultrie.
P. S. Those two field pieces at the very end of the
Point are so exposed that I desire you will draw them
off to a more secure distance from the enemy; in their
present situation, it appears to me, they may be carried
off whenever the enemy think proper.
To COLONEL MOUILTRIE,
Charlestown, June 21"t ] 776.
SIn:
I hope you will excuse the style of my last letter.  I must once more repeat that it did not arise
from any diffidence in your judgment, zeal, or spirit;
but merely from an apprehension that your good nature
and easy temper might, in some measure, counteract
those good qualities which you are universally known
to possess.  As you seem sensible that it is necessary
to exert your powers, I do not, I cannot, wish this ilportant post in better hands than yours: once more




80                THIE LEE PAPERS.
therefore, excuse my manner of writing. I wish M'
Bellamy had (when he was desired to give in a list of
all he wanted) left nothing to ask for at this time.
Mr Cochran is now employed in finding out the planks
he requests; you shall have it as soon as possible.
Captain Tuffts was ordered to put himself under the
command of General Armstrong.  I shall write to the
General to night, to order him to station him in such a
manner as to be of the greatest use to you, as likewise
to spare you all the necessary assistance. Tomorrow I
expect Muhlenburg's Regiment and I flatter myself that
we shall be able to devise sonle means of baffling the
enemy, should your post be really their object.
I am, Sir, with the greatest respect,
Your most obedient humble Servant,
CHARLES LEE.
To Col Moultrie,
Fort Sullivan.
P. S. We have hoes and spades, but no helves to
them; so General Armstrong must return those he
borrowed: We shall endeavour to replace them.
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Char]estown, June 22nd, 1776.
DEAR SIR,
As r confess, I never cou'd from the conversation I
have had with the different Gentlemen here, well
understand on what principle Sullivans Island was first
taken possession of and fortify'd, or on what principle
it is to be maintain'd I shou'd be extremely oblig'd to
you if you will sometime this day convene the Gentlemen of the Council, that I may be able to form an
opinion whether or no, it will lbe prudent to risk so




THE LEE PAPERS.               81
many men, and encounter so many difficulties in attempt
ing to support it.
I am Dear Sir, Yours
CHARLES LEE.
To His Excellency John Rutledlge,
President & Comr in Chief of the
Province of South Carolina.
To COLONEL MOULTRIE.
Charlestown [5 o'clock] 23rd June, 1776.
SIR,
I have sent Capt'l Cochran (a very active man) to
your Island to devise the means of establishing a second
communication with the Continent- Pritchard's Flat he
says is already at the Island-Muhlenburg's Regiment
will be here to night; We shall be then very strong.
I -will be down with you tomorrow with a Body of
Workmen & put you I hope in a state of great security
-UUpon the whole I think you will be safe, if your
people do their duty-there can be nothing to fear to
night. I hope your Garrison will remain in spirits; on
my part, I promise every attention.
I am Sir, [with the greatest truth]
Your most obt Servt
CHARLES LEE.
To Col. Moultrie,
Sullivan's Island.
GENERAL ORDERS.
Fort Sullivan, June 24th 1776.
GENERAL LEE positively orders, that the screen behind the aperture of the traverse be immediately begun
VOL. II-6




82               THE LEE PAPERS.
and finished with all possible expedition; that a breastwork of timber, six feet high, be raised on the rampart,
so as to form a continuation of the traverse; that a
banquet be raised behind the traverse, so as to enable
the musquetry to fire over. The present work round
the near guard room to be considerably strengthened:
the parapet raised, and the ditch deeper and wider; a
screen to be thrown up behind the entrance; a facade
of fascines, or old timber, is necessary to keep up the
light sand of which the breast-work of this rear-guard
is composed.
To COLONEL MOULTRIE.
Charlestown, June 25 1776.
SIR:
The gentleman that delivers you this letter is Baron
Massenbourg, one of the Continental Engineers.  I desire you will furnish him with the number of workmen,
and with every material he may require to carry on his
works.
I am, Sir, your most obedient, humble Servant,
CHARLES LEE.
To Col. Moultrie,
Sullivans Island.
To COLONEL MOULTRIE.
[June 25, 1776]
SIR,
I have sent you the carpenter; it is your fault if
he escapes again; keep a guard over him. Send the
express boat back immediately.
Yours,
To Colonel Moultrie.            CHARLES LEE.
P. S. Finish the bridge.




TIlE LEE PAPERS.               83
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown, June 25th 1 776.
DEAR Sin,
I have just received a Letter froml the Baron Awho
seems frighten'cl out of his wits at the dangerousness
of the situation of our Troops on the Island where retreat is so precarious-however he is setting himlself to
work to do the best he can-I have desired Colonel
Laurence to send immediately to the Island fiftv men
for work-I must entreat your Excellency to give order
that a sufficient number of the Palmeto logs necessary
for the completion of the Bridge, nay without loss of
time be forwarded.
I am Sir, with the greatest Respect
Your most obt hum: Servant
CIhARLEs LEE.
His Excellency John Rutledge.
FROM ALEXANDER WHITE.
Winchester 27th June, 1776.
SIR,
Your favour of 10th April did not reach me'till
22nd Inst. I that day wrote you an Answer by one Mr
Campbell, who was on his way to Williamsburg, and
who promised to give mly letter a Conveyance if lie did
not see you. I informed you that I saw no objection to
your paying off the Incumbrances on your Land and
the future payments to Mr Hite whenever it is convenient for you to do so, except ~400, which is to be
retained'till the title to part of the Land is compleated.
I prepared a Mortgage for securing to Mr Hite the
future payments agreeable to Contract, and offered it
to Mr Thos Hite who would not accept it on account of
a recital which he supposed would prejudice the frivo



84               THE LEE PAPERS.
lous suit commenced against you, though it was drawn
in conimmnon form before I had the most distant expectation of such a suit ever being commenced. The Mortgage is a sterling Debt, the Agent a Resident of Maryland. I therefore presume Virginia Paper will not be
acceptable, and perhaps some difficulty may arise in
these times of Confusion respecting the rate of Exchange I settled it with Mr Hite in V. C. at 25 p. ct.
I should be happy to see the Important Subject of
the Independence of N. A. discussed in the perspicuous
and able manner you are capable of. I have troubled
you with some of my crude thoughts, to afford you an
opportunity when leisure will permit and inclination
lead you to explain my mistakes and correct mny errors.
From the collmmencement of the present unhappy Dispute I considered the shedding of blood (if that event
should take place) as the Era at which would termlinate the British Empire in America or the Colonies be
subjugated to the absolute Dominion of Parliament,
and when hostilities comllmenced my min1d was only
agitated with the means of defending ourselves andc
forming a Constitution which would secure substantial Liberty to the People; but when I found the Congress entertained different views, that they had again
petitioned the King for reconciliation, and declared to
their fellow subijects throughout the Empire that thleirl
only end in taking up Arms was to procure a Redress
of Grievances, and secure their properties and Constitutional Rights, solemllnly disclaiiming every Idea of
establishing an Independent Empire, it gave a different
turn to my thoughts.  I reflected that our Ancestors
have fought many Battles and shed Torrents of Blood
in support of their Constitutional Rights, and whatever may have been the fate of Arbitrary Princes, the
Constitution was ever held sacred, the instance of
Charles's Reign only excepted. The Whigs were thlen,
obliged to join with the Tories in Restoring Royalty
in its Lustre, to get rid of a Phantom which the Independents had raised under the name of Liberty. The




THE LEE PAPERS.               85
Hope of a Re-union with our Brethren of G. Britain
and of the enllcreasing Grandeur and Prosperity of the
whole Empire to me, I confess, had something agreeable in it. I therefore with eagerness investigated the
proposed Plan of operations to enable me to judge of
the probable Event, and I found, or thought I found,
the security of our Liberties in connection with Great
Britain almost certainly attainable, at any rate more
practicable than the establishing an Independent State;
for the following among other Reasons, that the People
of America were determinately united in support of
that measure; that every insult and injury from Administration only tended to animate and cement. That
the greatest Trading Cities and most respectable characters in England are our Friends.  That even our
Enemies in Parliament dare not stand the attack on the
proper ground, but in order to carry their point have
always insisted we were aiming  at Independency.
That the belief of this, is the sole reason we have any
Enemies among the People of England, and though. I
am of opinion the Governing Powers of Britain would
rather lose the Colonies totally, than yield one Iota of
their pretensions, the people will think very differently when convinced our views extend no further than
to the Security of those Rights which they themselves
hold essential to Liberty. That it would be impossible
for Government to carry on a war against the inclinations, and so destructive to the Interests of the People,
as the present must obviously appear, when it is remelmbered, the Cause of our Contest is the assumed
Power of Parliament to tax the Colonists, to alter our
forms of government, to transport us to Britain for the
Trial of supposed offences, and to make laws regulating
our Internal Police. That the sword would even drop
from  the hand of a British Soldier, if he believedl. it
pointed against the Breast of a man contending for his
birthright.  That an attempt to establish an Independency would unite England as one Man against us,
and though she is burdened with an enormous debt and




86                THE LEE PAPERS.
deprived of a most valuable branch of Commerce, she
has still great Resources, and it is not easy to foresee
the consequences of the utmost exertions of her Powers.
Besides, it appears to be the Interest of Europe that
America should remain dependent.  The power and
Importance of England (which by a defection of the
Colonies she would lose) is necessary in the European
System, Holland and Portugal I think owe their Political Existence to her. And even those states which
might wish to see her depressed were their Interests
confined to Europe, would dread greater evils from the
Establishment of an Independent Empire in N. America,
the certain consequence of which would be, I apprehendl, thle loss of Mexico, S. America, and the WTest
India Islands to whomsoever belonging.  But it is a
necessary enquiry, on what terms can our differences
be adjusted which will secure us from future contests?
I answer, it is impossible.  The nature of Human
Affairs is such that no political system can be established which the folly of weak or ambition of wicked
men will not in time subvert.  Let G. Britain relinquish her Claim of Internal Legislation and Taxation.
Let stated times be limlited for the holding and duration of Assemblies, and Councillors dependent on the
Crown be deprived of Legislative Powers or holM their
places during Life, and let Supreme Judges be appointed in each Colony to hold their places during
good behaviour with certain and adequate salaries.
All this would be no real injury to England, the only
advantage she ever didcl, or ever can receive from
America is her Commerce, an Equitable share of which
ought to be secured to her by a grand Commercial
System to be agreed on by the Legislatures of the two
Countries, and to remain unalterable except by mutual
consent.  Such a plan of accommodation I think, offers
as fair for the permanent security of Peace Wealth and
Liberty as any I have heard or can devise for the
governient of America in an Independent State.  I
take it for granted (as I have never heard it disputed)




THE LEE PAPERS.               87
that a Popular or Democratic Government must take
place, which in its most perfect state, I think much inferior to the mixed Government of Britain, for I hold it
as a maxim, that wherever the Supreme Power is
vested in one man, or one body of Men, the liberty of
the subject is at best precarious. It appears from History, that popular fury is as formidable, and often exercised with as much injustice as Royal Indignation.
Frequent Elections are no security in this case. The
spirit of the People always influences the Representative Body and if a man becomes unpopular, however
Innocent, his Ruin is inevitable. To you I need not
give instances. Neither is it possible in such a Constitution to render the Judicial Powers totally independent. The same Body of Men who have the appointment of the Judges, having also the power of removing
them, will carry popular prejudice even to the Seats of
Justice. In this Respect England has the advantage
of all other Nations. In cool dispassionate hours the
three Branches of the Legislature concur in enacting
Laws for the general Good of the Community. The
meanest subject cannot be punished unless he transgresses these Laws. Neither caln the Judges be displaced for faithfully executing them, without the like
concurrence. This protects Individuals equally from
popular Violence and the Arbitrary Measures of Kings
and Courtiers. But is America capable of receiving a
Democratic Government?  Have we that Industry,
Frugality, Economy, that Virtue which is necessary to
constitute it? Laws and Constitutions must be adapted
to the manners of the People, they do not, they cannot
form them. Whenever the manners change the laws
change with them, or lose their Force.  Is not N.
America too extensive for a popular Government?'
But I find the spirit of the times is against a union;
we must then become a Confederacy of Republicks,
each having Supreme Powers within itself. Does not
this afford a prospect of perpetual wars and Internal
Feuds'till some one Colony or perhaps one man becomes




8 8              T-THE LEE PAPERS.
Master of the whole Continent?  Recur to the Historic page, and point out the age and Country where
this under similar circumstances has not been the case.
The United Provinces being surrounded by more
powerful States materially distinguishes their situation
from that of these Colonies. A Congress or General
Council for regulating the affairs of the whole Confederacy will hardly be sufficient to maintain peace.
There was a general Council of the English Heptarchy
yet that Island was an uninterrupted scene of blood
and slaughter'till united under one head. There is a
General Diet of the German Empire, yet every one
knows the Princes of the Empire submit to its decrees
just as far as suits their own purposes.  Greece had
her Amphictyons, yet was not without intestine Wars.
The Country being called to Arms for the Express
Purpose of defending and securing her Constitutional
Liberty, Is there not an Inconsistency in employing
those Arms to quite different Purposes, at least'till it
is known whether the Original End be attainable? and
surely the most sanguine could not expect that Point
so soon determined; or that we could force England
to a Compliance with our Terms in the course of one
Campaign.  An apology might well be expected for
this trouble, if I had a good one to offer, you should
have it. Some slight touches on the subject with several Expressions of Regard interspersed through your
Letters of Business emboldened me to take this Liberty
and further to request an answer. I am one of those
who have ever wished and gloried in the Honour and
Prosperity of the British Empire, but if a separation
takes place, Interest, Inclination, Every Consideration
will induce me to take part with my Native Land, and
my best endeavours shall not be wanting to render
the Americans a free and happy People. Any Lights
which you may throw on the subject shall be faithfully
improved to that Purpose as far as in my narrow sphere
(and it is a very narrow one) permits. The Arguments
of Pamphleteers and News Paper Scribblers on both




THE LEE PAPERS.               89
sides of the Question, have been so absurd, fallacious,
or at least superficial, that very little instruction or
pleasure could be derived froml reading theml. Heartily wishing you success in every patriotic Exertion of
your abilities, I remain with great Esteem, Sir
Your very humble Servant
ALEXR WHITE.
Genl. Lee.
To GENERAL ARMSTRONG.
Charlestown 27th. June, 177(6.
DEAR GENERAL,
As the deputy Adjutant General had contrary to
my intentions & order put a great part of Muhlenberg's
Regiment on duty, it is impossible to send'era as I proposed this mlorning  You must therefore prevail upon
the Remainder of Horry's Regiment to take this duty
upon them-for as I suppose the Bridge is finish'd, and
the risk apparently less-these pretty Gentlemen may
probably be prevail'd upon-as to giving a positive
order to men of such sensibility and delicacy  it wou'd
be harsh & cruel —You must therefore, I say, endeavour to prevail upon them —if your endeavours do not
succeed, I shall try some other figure of Rhetorick.
I am Dear General, Yours
CHARLES LEE.
Brigadr General Armstrong,
at Hadral's Point.
P.S. I wish you wou'd in my name thank Colonel
Thompson's Reginlent for the cheerfulness and alacrity
with which they have done very hard duty.




90               THE LEE PAPERS.
To COLONEL MOULTRIE.
Charlestown, June 27th 1776.
DExAR SIR: Could you not contrive this night to
take up the enemy's buoys?  I have ordered General
Armstrong to send a hundred volunteers to ease Colonel
Thompson's Regiment of their heavy duty; for I find
that a part of Colonel Horry's Regiment had most
magnanimously refused to take this duty on them.
We shall live I hope to thank them — I am. in hopes
your bridge will be finished this night; you can then
be reinforced at pleasure.
I am, dear Sir, Yours,
CHARLES LEE.
To Col. Moultrie.
To COLONEL MOULTRIE.
Charlestown June 27, 1776.
DEAR SIR,
Some boats will possibly pass by you to-night from
town on a scouting expedition, before 12 o'clock at
night; their orders are to intercept some of the enemy's
boats, and gain some important intelligence; I must
desire, therefore, that you enjoin the whole sentinels
on your Island not to challenge any boats passing from
town, or to fire upon them, which would defeat the
whole scheme; on their return, if they meet with any
success, they shall have orders to greet you with two
cheers; and if the wind or tide is against their return
to town, they will put into your post, and remain with
you this night. I hope your bridge is finished, as I intend to reinforce you considerably.
Yours
CHARLES LEE.
To Col. Moultrie.




THE LEE PAPERS.              91
To COLONEL MOULTRIE.
June 28, 6 o'clock, A.M.
DEAR COL.
I shall send you immediately a reinforcement. If
the bridge cannot be finished without taking down the
old   take it down without ceremony, but it would
be better to have both.
Yours,
CHARLES LEE.
To Col. Moultrie.
To COLONEL MOULTRIE.
Point Haddiell, June 28th 1776.
DEAR COLONEL:
If you should unfortunately expend your ammunition without beating off the enemy, or driving them
on ground, spike your guns, and retreat with all the
order possible; but I know you will be careful not to.tbrow away your ammunition.
CHARLES LEE,
Major General.
To Col. Moultrie.
To COLONEL MOULTRIE.
Armstrong's June 28th, 3 o'clock P.3.
DEAR COL.
Major Byrd makes reports of your conduct which
does you infinite honour; they are, indeed, such as I
expected. I have sent for more ammunition for you;




92               THE LEE PAPERS.
and ordered a large corps of Riflemen to reinforce
Col. Thompson.
Yours,
CHARLES LEE.
To Col. Moultrie.
To COLONEL MOULTRIE.
Charlestown June 29th 9 o'clock.
DEAR COLONEL,
I shou'd have thank'd you & your brave Garrison
this morning vivat voce at the Fort-but am prevented
by a great deal of busyness-I do most heartily thank
you all and shall do you justice in my Letters to the
Congress-I have apply'd for some Rum for your Men.
They deserve every comfort that can be afforded to
them-We have sent for more Powder-inform me of
all your Wants.
I am Dear Colonel, Yours,
CHARLES LEE.
Colonel Moultrie, at Sullivan's Island.
I desire Colonel Thompson will send over as soon as
he can, a Return of all occurrences in his part of the
Island.
To THE PRESIDENT OF THE CONVENTION OF VIRGINIA.
Charleston, June 29th 1776.
SIR:
I took the liberty of detaining your Express, Mr
Page, concluding that something material must before
this have arrived: but as I imagine you are extremely
anxious for the fate of this important Capital, I think
it my duty to dispatch him with a very compendious,




THE LEE PAPERS.                93
or rather imperfect account of our present situation.
Yesterday about eleven o'clock the Enemy's Squadron,
consisting of one fifty, one forty, and six frigates came
to anchor before Fort Sullivan, and began one of the
most furious cannonades I ever heard or saw: their project was apparently at the same time to land their troops
on the East end of the island; twice they attempted it,
and twice were gallantly repulsed: the ships continued
their fire over the fort till eleven at night. The behavior of the Garrison, both men and officers, with Colonel Moultrie at their head, I confess astonished me;
it was brave to the last degree. I had no idea that so
much coolness and intrepidity could be displayed by a
collection of raw recruits, as I was witness of in this
garrison.  Had we been better supplied with ammnunition, it is most probable their Squadron would have
been utterly destroyed —however, they have no reason
to triumph; one of their Frigates is now in flames, another lost its bowsprit, the Commodore and a forty gunship had their mizzens shot away, and are otherwise
much damaged -in short, they may be said in this their
first essay on South Carolina to have been worsted, but
presume they will make another attempt.  Our loss is
ten killed, twenty two wounded, seven of whom have
lost their legs or arms. The defences of the fort have
received no injury, only one gun dismounted.  I shall
write when the affair is finished, a more accurate relation to your Convention and to the Congress; in the
meantime I think it but justice to publish the merits
of Col. Moultrie and his brave Garrison.  Col. Thompson of the South Carolina Rangers acquitted himself
most nobly in repulsing the tloops who attempted to
land at the other end of the Island. I know not which
Corps I have the greatest reason to be pleased with,
Mluhlenberg's Virginians, or the North Carolina troops
-they are both equally alert, zealous and spirited. I
must now, Sir, entreat that you will forward to Wilmington as much powder as can possibly be spared
from your province, to supply the place of that which I




9 4              THE LEE PAPERS.
shall draw from North Carolina; shoes, shirts, and blankets are likewise absolutely necessary for the North Carolinians, who are quite naked. I request, Sir, that you
will order these necessaries with the greatest expedi.
tion. You will excuse the shortness of my letter, as
you may easily conceive that I have a good deal of employment on my hands. I shall not write to the Congress, till the operations of the enemy are brought to
something more like a decision. If you, Sir, think this
short relation of importance sufficient, you will, of
course, transmit it.
I am, Sir, with the greatest respect,
Your most obedient, humble Servant
CHARLES LEE.
To THE PRESIDENT OF THE PROVINCIAL CONGRESS OF
NORTH CAROLINA.
Charlestown, June 29th, 1776.
SIR)
I have written a short account of our situation to
the Convention of Virginia, with directions to be open'd
for your perusal-I must entreat, Sir, that you will forward to this place with the greatest expedition all the
powder you can spare, it will I hope be soon replaced
from Virginia.
I am Sir, with the greatest Respect
Your most oW  hum: Servant
CHARL:ES LEE.
To BENJAMIN RITuS.
Charlestown, June ye 29th 1776,
M1Y DEAR RUSH,
I appriz'd you some time ago that you must not expect letters from me as often as I wish'd to write'em
my inclination wou'd prompt me to persecute you every




T'HE LEE PAPERS.               95
Post I seize now a leisure moiment.  You will excuse
the conciseness of the scroll-WAe had yesterday a very
severe party of Cannonade with the Tyrant's Mercenaries —They attack'd with eight ships of War a very
imperfect and ill plan'd Fort on Sullivan's Island —and
were fairly repuls'd, I really believe with very great
loss-the Commodore's Ship andcl another Forty Gun,
suppos'd to be the Roe Buck, were both d(ismasted of
their mizens, another Frigate lost its Bowsprit —and
the Acteon was set on fire and this morning blew up —
They must have suffer'd greatly in men —Our People,
tho' quite raw Recruits behav'd like the decirna Legio —
it was a severe tryal for any Troops. I have been in a
good deal of fire, but never in a hotter or more incessant.  We had only ten kill'd on the Spot —and twenty
two wounded, seven of whom lost their limbs —A Colonel Moutrie coinmmanded who has gain'cl eternal credit.
I thought it necessary as I was not acquainted with the
merit of these brave fellows to appear amongst'em.
They were pleas'd with my visit but did not want encouragement if you are acquainted with Lewis Morris
the Delegate congratulate him in my name in having
such a son —amongst other becoming  qualities He is a
full inch taller in the imidst of a hot Cannonade than at
other times, tho' He is generally pretty upright.  Upon
my soul He is a fine Boy, as is my other Aid-de-Camip
Byrd; I believe They will go down to Tartarus for the
three-headed Dog of Darkness if I order'eml. You are
not to think the affair I am speaking of is decisive —On
the contrary I expect an other and more serious attack —
I must not forget that their land Forces attempted at
the same time that the ships attack'd to land on the East
end of this Sullivan's Island, and were repuls'd twice
by a Colonell Thompson of the S. Carolina Rtangers —
What their loss was I have not yet learlnt. We have
fortify'd this extensive Town against a surprise at
least —Upon the whole I think it safe-I beg you will
give my love to Robert Morris and that I will write to
him by the next Express-Commu-nicate this letter to




96               THE LEE PAPERS.
him  and to Colonel Lee as likewise to Mr Rutledge
from whom I have not heard a word this age-What
poor mortals are these Maryland Council men! I hope
the Congress will write a letter to the People of that
Province at large advising'em to get rid of their damn'd
Government-Their aim is to continue feudal Lords to
a Tyrant. I am much pleas'd with your operations
against your sad Dogs of the Assembly.
Adieu, My Dr Rush f ac at valeas et mne ames.
C. LEE.
To D. Benjamin Rush,
Philadelphia.
To GENERA L GATES.
Charlestown June ye 29th 1776.
MBY DR (GATESI have just read that the General and your Excellency are arriv'd at Philadelphia —my love and respects
to the General that I shall send an express to him in a
few days-with a minute account of our situation —and
the smites of a double repulse the Tyrant's mercenaries
have met with —their squadron has been roughly handled —the Commodore and the Roebuck dismasted of
their mizens —one frigate lost its Bowsprit and another
(the Acteon) blown up, Rush will give you a compendious detail of it-our Troops (tho raw behav'd most
nobly) the fire was extremely hot and incessant. Their
Troops attempted to land twice and were twice repuls'd
by the S. Carolina Rangers. Our loss in the Fort was
ten kill'd, twenty two wounded seven of whom lost their
limbs, but They encouraged their Comrades after the loss
of their limbs-to stand to the cause of liberty. My
two young Aid de Camps Byrd and Morris stand fire
nmost nobly-Young Old Jenifer and little Nourse strutted like Crows in a gutter-the fire was I assure you
very hot —I am much pleas'd with the Troops —men and




TIE LEE PAPERS.               97
officers —and really believe'em braver than the Enemy
— but I wou'd not be understood that this affair was
decisive —it was most probably only the prelude to a
more serious one-the event of which the great God of
Battles only knows  I mean the truly great and universal God not the partial God of the Jews-inclos'd is a
return (I dare say not the most perfect) of our strength
— apropos-I cannot send it just now, for the Adjudant
General who is in love has forgot a whole Rlegt. You
shall have it in a few days. We have about five thoushand men-if I had a thoushand light Horse I could
protect these Colonies completely  urge the General to
urge it-I am tir'd of writing on the subject. Yours
my Dr Gates
C. LEE.
FFROi RICHIARD HENRY LEE.
Williamsbg 29th June, 1 776.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
The desire of being here at the formation of our new
Government brought me from Philadelphia the 13th
of this month. I have been in this City a week where
I have had the pleasure to see our new plan of Government go on well. This day will put a finishing
hand to it.'Tis very much of the democratic kind,
altho' a Governor and second branch of legislation are
admitted, for the former is not permitted voice in Legislation, he is in all things to be advised by his Privy
Council, and both are by joint ballot of both houses to
be chosen annually, altho' the Governor may be continued in Office 3 years, after which he is not eligible
for 4 years. Both the Houses of the Legislatulre are
chosen by the whole body of the people  Our former
House of Burgesses, now called the House of Delegates
to be chosen annually in the usual manner. The other
House, now called the House of Senators is to be 24
in number and to be chosen from Districts into which
the Country is to be laid off. One fourith of this Body
VOL. II.-7




9 8              THE LEE PAPERS.
go out annually by rotation, and the vacancy filled by
the District whence they came. The Judges and other
Great Officers of State are to be chosen by Joint ballot
of both houses, and to hold their Offices during good
behaviour. These are the outlines of our political machine, which I hope is sufficiently guarded against the
Monster Tyranny. When I left Philadelphia the AMilitary arrangement stood thus-For N. York 10,000 regular troops joined by 15,000 militia-For Canada 7,000
regulars joined by 6,000 militia and 2000 Indians, a
Flying Camp of 10,000 in the middle Colonies —11
Battalions in the eastern Colonies and 23 in the Southern. Gel. Wooster had so misconducted matters in
Canada, that with very little opposition our Troops
were obliged to retreat to the mouth of Sorell, and a
Regiment posted at the Cedars, 12 miles above Montreal was shamefully surrendered to a party of the Enemy coming from Niagara. The letters by this post
from Phila tell us that our affairs in that Country were
recovering fast, and that Gen. Thompson, with 2000
men was gone down to Dechambeau or Falls of Richelieu, to dispossess 300 regular Troops there, and recover that important post.  I incline to think our
friend Genl. Gates will be sent to Canada as Chief
Commander, poor Thomas having died at Chamblee of
the small pox. We have already taken three transports with Highlanders-The 217 that have fallen to
our share are distributed thro' this Colony, a few in
each County, and permitted to hire themselves out to
labour, thus to become the Citizens of America instead
of its enemies. Great distress prevails in the British
West Indies, and the French preparations in that part
of the World, formidable. The news of Phila when I
came away was that the Court of France had stopt the
Hessians &~ from coming here. I have not the least
doubt but that Independence will, in a few days, be
publicly announced by the General Congress. All restraining instructions are now removed except from
Maryland, and there, the people were up, and instruc



GTHs LEE PAPERS.              99
tions sending from all parts to their Convention, which
met 10 days ago, expressly directing to rescind their
instructions and pursue a different line of political conduct. I incline to think therefore that Independence
will carry it neln. con. and Foreign Alliance immediately sought. The business of Confederation will also
then be set on foot.
I shall return to Chantilly in a few days and remain
there until the last of August, when I go to Philadelphia. It will give me a singular pleasure to hear from
you when your leisure will permit, because there is
nothing I more sincerely wish than to know that you
are happy and successful.
Remember me to Mr President Rutledge, and tell
my friend Gen. Gadsden, that I remember him with
much affection.
Farewell my dear friend
RICrHARD HENRY LEE.
Col~ Harrison and Mr Braxton are left out of our
delegation to Congress, the other 5 continued-This
Convention voted 6 Troops of Horse.
Major General Lee,
Commander of the Continental Armies in the Southern Department, at Charleston, South Carolina.
FRAGMENT-TO RICHARD HE NRY LEE.
[Charlestown, July    1776.]
X* 9  misconduct from old Wooster. I think you
ought to send your plate into Canada, for if W. lose
that we lose everything. If my scheme of raising cavairy is found censurable by the Congress, I do not know
what can pass uncensured. It was the most economical
plan that can be devised; but it was said that I should




100              THE LEE PAPERS.
have previously laid it before them-As [no time] was
to be loss'd, not a single minute, and as I was assured
by divers members -of the Convention, that if the Congress did not thus-to be at the expense of Forage —
the Province wou'd —it was impossible, at least it was
dangerous to wait the result of the resolves of the Congress on this head. Do you know, that we have been
near losing this Province from  the want of cavalry?
We must have a large body. I request as I have not
time you will justify me to Congress on this subjectyou shall * * *
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Charlestown, 1 July, 1776.
MY DEAR GENERAL,
I have the happiness to congratulate you on a very
signal success (if I may not call it a victory), which we
have gained over the mercenary instruments of the
British tyrant. I shall not trouble you with a detail of
their manceuvres or delays, but defer it to another time,
when I have more leisure to write, and you to attend.
Let it suffice, that having lost an opportunity (such as
I hope will never again present itself) of taking the
town, which, on my arrival, was utterly defenceless, the
Commodore thought proper, on Friday last, with his
whole squadron, consisting of two fifties, six frigates,
and a bomb (the rates of which you will see in the inclosed list), to attack our fort on Sullivan's Island.
They dropped their anchors about eleven in the
forenoon, at the distance of three or four yards before
the front battery.  I was myself, at this time, in a boat,
endeavouring to make the Island; but the wind and
tide being violently against us, drove us on the main.
They immediately commenced the most furious fire I
ever heard or saw. I confess I was in pain, from the
little confidence I reposed in our troops; the officers being all boys, and the men raw recruits.  What aug




THE LEE PAPERS.               101
mented my anxiety was, that we had no bridge finished
for retreat, or communication; and the creek, or cove,
which separates it from the continent, is near a mile
wide. I had received, likewise, intelligence that their
land troops intended at the same time to land and assault. I never in my life felt myself so uneasy; and what
added to my uneasiness was, that I knew  our stock of
ammunition was miserably low. I had once thoughts of
ordering the Commanding officer to spike his guns, and
when his ammunition was spent to retreat with as
little loss as possible.  However, I thought proper previously to send to town for a fresh supply, if it could
possibly be procured, and ordered my Aid-de-Camp MIT.
Byrd, (wvho is a lad of magnanimous courage) to pass
over in a small canoe, and report the state of the spirit
of the garrison.  If it had been low, I should have
abandoned all thoughts of defence.  His report was
flattering.  I then determined to maintain the post at
all risks, and passed the creek or cove, in a small boat,
in order to animate the garrison in pror)i4 pei',so;,
but I found they had no occasion for such encouragement.
They were pleased with my visit, and assured me
they never would abandon the post but with their lives.
The cool courage they displayed astonished and enraptured me, for I do assure you, my dear General, I never
experienced a hotter fire. Twelve full hours it was continnued without intermission.  The noble fellows, who
were mortally wounded, conjured their brethren never
to abandon the standard of liberty.  Those who lost
their limbs deserted not their posts.  Upon the whole
they acted like Ronmans in the third century. However,
our works were so good and solid, that we lost but few;
only ten killed on the spot, and twenty-two wounded,
seven of whom lost their legs or arms. The loss of the
enemy as you will perceive by the enclosed list was very
great.  As I send a detail to the Congress, I shall not
trouble you with a duplicate; but, before I finish, you
must suffer me to recommend to your esteem, friendship,




102              THE LEE PAPxErRS.
and patronage my (though young) Aids-de-Camlp, Byrd
and Morris, whose good sense, integrity, activity, and
valor, I)romise to their country a most fruitful crop of
essential services. Mr. Jenifer, of Maryland, a gentleman of fortune, and not of the age when the blood of
men flows heroically, has shown not less spirit than these
youngsters. I may venture to recommend in these high
terms, because the trial was severe.
Colonel Moultrie, who commanded the garrison, deserves the highest honors. The manifest intention of the
enemy was to land, at the same time the ships began to
fire, their whole regulars on the east end of the Island.
Twice they attempted it, and twice were repulsed by a
Colonel Thompson, of the South Carolina Rangers, in
conjunction with a body of North Carolina regulars.
Upon the whole, the South and North Carolina troops
and Virginia Rifle battalion we have here, are admirable soldiers. The enemy is now returned to their old
station on this side the bar. What their intention is, I
canmot divine. One of the five deserters, who came
over to us this day, is the most intelligent fellow I ever
met with. The accounts of their particular loss and
situation are his, and I think they may be depended
Upoln.
For God's sake, my dear General, urge the Congress
to furnish me with a thousand cavalry.  With a thousand cavalry I could insure the safety of these Southern Plovinces; and without cavalry, I can answer for
nothing. I proposed a scheme in Virginia for raising a
body almost without any expense. The scheme was
relished by the gentlemen of Virginia, but I am told
the project was censured by some members of the Congress on the principle that a military servant should
not take the liberty to'propose any thing. This opinion
I sincerely subscribe to, when our distance from the
sovereign is so small, and the danger so remote, as to
admit of proposing, deliberating, resolving, and approving; but when a General is at a vast distance, and the
enemy close to him, I humbly conceive that it is his




TIE LEE PAPERS.              103
duty to propose and adopt anything, without other
authority than the public safety. From Aant of this
species of troops, we had infallibly lost this Capital, but
the dilatoriness and stupidity of the enemy saved us.
I this instant learn that the Commodore is fixing
buoys on the bar, which indicates an intention of quit.
ting the place. It is probable that they will bend their
course to Hampton, or Chesapeake Bay.
I am extremely happy, dear General, that you are
at Philadelphia, for their counsels sometimes lack a
little military electricity.
I have ordered the Adjutant General to send you a
return; I mean only a return of the strength of this
place. I suppose it will be imperfect, for it is an Herculean labor, to a South Carolina officer, to make any
detail. God bless you, my dear General, and crown
you with success, as I am,
Most entirely and affectionately, Yours,
CHARLES LEE.
P. S. I am made quite happy by the resolution of
Congress to keep Canada. Had it been relinquished,
all would have been lost.
MEMIORANDUoM BY GENERAL LEE.
When a Bridge of Communication between Fort
Sullivan and the Malin is constructed it is absolutely
necessary for its protection that two redoubts shou'd
be thrown up-on or near the spots determin'd by
General Lee and Baron Massenback, the Engineerthese redoubts will likewise answer the essential purpose of preventing the Enemy's landing betwixt the
fort and the Point of the Island corresponding with
Haderal's Point-A good strong Redoubt shou'd be
likewise constructed on Point Haderel, as an open
Battery is always subject to be seiz'd by a light Party




104              THE LEE PAPERS.
of the Enemy and turn'd against us-As it appears
to me extremely practicable for the Enemy to land on
the strand betwixt the East Point of the Island and
the Fort and make their approaches on that side I
shou'd think it prudent to throw up a chain of redoubts
at proper distances on the natural ridge of Sand-hill.
They shou'd be so constructed that the most distant be
cannonaded by the next that by the Third and the
nearest to the Fort by the Guns of the Fort. As it is
impossible from the nature of the ground on Sullivan's
Island to surround the Post by any sort of a Ditch
some other methods must be devised of securing it
against an Escalade —1 strong deal well form'd abbatis
wou'd in my opinion best answer the purpose -but
this abbatis must be so sunk as not to be expos'd to
be destroy'd by Cannon-but as a thorough knowledge of all the avenues, creeks and landing Places
which lead to Point Haderel, are of the last importance-it is to be hoped that Colonel Gadsden will recommend it to his officers to make themselves masters
of it-as also to reconnoitre all the neighbouring Islands
-that on the supposition the Enemy shou'd again
lodge themselves in anlly of'em, We may know how
to attack'em with advantage.
It is almost superfluous to mention the necessity of
an         of Communication betwixt the Fort and
Bridge or a Tete de Pont on the Hederel Side, and of a
strong redoubt at the         as these works must
appear to every man indispensably necessary, [tze following is not ien Lee's anctogracl7r] but above all the
necessity of a strong Redoubt at the advanced Guard
is evident.
To COLONEL MOULTRIE.
Charlestown, July 1st 17 6.
DEAR COLONEL,
Huger's Regiment have offer'd themselves to work
at your Fort. I believe a Corps of Blacks wou'd have




THE LEE PAPERS.               105
answer'dcl better, but the President & Vice President
think otherwise.  You must desire the Baron to thro'w
up the redoubt I order'd near or on the beach to prevent their landing —the Carpenters will I hope soon
finish the Gate. I have applied for six horses and
hope I shall procure'em for you. Five deserters are
just arrived here from the Ships of War; inclosed I
send you a list of the murders your Garrison has nowto answer for, but I hope it will sit light on their consciences.
I am Sir,
Your most obt hum: Servant
CHARLES LEE.
Colonel Moultrie,
at Sullivan's Island.
P. S. I must request that your Garrison may be
kept more vigilant than ever, and that Colonel Thompson and his Corps do not relax, for it is alllost proverbial in War, that we are never in so great danger,
as when success makes us confidently secure-let the
bridge be finished without delay.
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charleston July 1St 1776.
DEAR SI1R
It is not impossible that the late repulse of the
Enemy may be fatal to us. We seem now all sunk
into a most secure and comfortable sleep-Not a mortal
of any kind, black or white at work —much is to be
done for the security of the Town and the Island of Sullivan-in the Town, the Barricades shou'd all be considerably highten'd and thicken'd-the parapet which
encircles the whole shou'd likeiwise be strIengthen'd
and rais'd  I wNish your Excellency iwou'd give order
that a sufficient number of MIen shall be collected for




106              THE LEE PAPERS.
these necessary works,-I am afraid Huger's Re(giment
will not answer the purpose in Sullivan's Island half so
well as a Corps of Blacks, besides will it not unhinge
the whole system of our present duties?  As I intend
to write to the Congress tomorrow, it will be necessary
I shou'd have ready an Express.
I am Dr Sir, &~'
CHARnLEs LEE.
FRo-A AnCHIBALD BULLOCK, PREESIDENT Oy GEORGIA.
Savannah July 2d 1776
SIn,
As the Gentlemen that were deputed to wait upon
you, in order to confer on the best Measures for the defence of this Province are not returned, I have sent
to his Excellency the President a Copy of a Letter, I
have just received from  Lieut. Colonel McIntosh —I
have clesired he would communicate the Contents to
you —I have not the least doubt of your perfect Knowledge of the whole scheme of ministerial operations
against the Continent and that you are well informed
of our helpless situation —The Importance of this
Colony to the American cause is very great & therefore I'm persuaded we shall claim part of your attention —Your presence here would give a most happy &
favorable Complexion to our affairs —-The Post-Boy is
waiting & I can only wish that the Lord of Hosts, the
God of Armies may be your guide & protection.
I am, Sir, respectfully your
Most obedient & very humb. Servt
ARCIID B uLLOCK.
His Excellency Genl Lee,
at Charleston.




THE LEE PAPERS.               107
To TILE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Charlestown, July 2nd, 177T6.
SIR,
I shou'd have done myself the honor sooner of informing the Congress of the  attack made by the
Enemy's Squadron  on Sullivan's Island  and their
repulse-but conjectur'd that by waiting a day or two
I might probably be furnished with the means of
sendiing a more mllinute, full, and satisfactory accountmy conjecture was right, for yesterday five seamen
rmade their escape, one of whom is a more intelligent
Fellow than is commonly found amongst men of his level
inclosed is a copy of their Narrative, some parts of it
are perhaps too whimsical &  trivial to merit the
attention of Congress, but I think it my duty to present
it as it is without adding or curtailing a circurmstance —
I think, Sir, I may venture to congratulate the Congress
on the event; not only the advantages must be consiclerable, but the affair reflects no small credit on the
American Arnms.
On Fryday about eleven o'clock, the Commodore
with his whole squadron consisting of two line of battle
ships and six Frigates (the rates of which are mark'd
in the enclosed narrative) anchor'd at less than half
musket shot from1 the Fort, and commenced one of the
m-ost furious and incessant fires I ever saw or heard —
it was manifestly their plan to land at the same time
their whole regulars at the east end of the Island and
of course invest the Fort by Land and Sea —as the
Garrison was composed entirely of raw Troops both
Men & Officers, as I knew their ammunition was short,
and as the Bridge by which we cou'd reinforce or call
off the Troops fron the Island was unfinished you may
easily conceive my anxiety —it was so great that I was
in suspense whether I should evacuate it or not —fortunately while I was in this State of Suspense some
ammunition arriv'd from  the Town, and my Aid de




108              THE LEE PAPERS.
Camp IMr Byrd returning from the Island with a flattering report of the Garrison's spirit, I determin'd to
support it at all hazards —On this principle I thought
it my duty to cross over to the Island to encourage the
Garrison by my presence, but I might have saved
myself that trouble, for I found on my arrival they had
no occasion for any sort of encouragement; I found'enm
determin'd and cool to the last degree, their behaviour
wou'd in fact have done honor to the oldest Troops —
I beg leave, Sir, therefore to recommend in the strongest
terms to the Congress the Commanding Officer Colonel
Moutrie and his whole Garrison as brave soldiers and
excellent citizens —nor must I omit at the same time
mentioning Colonel Thompson who with the South
Carolina Rangers and a detachment of the North
Carolina Regulars repulsed the Enemy in two several
attempts to make a lodgment at the other extremity of
the Island.
Our loss considering the heat and duration of the
fire was inconsiderable, we had only ten men killed on
the spot and twenty two wounded, seven of whom lost
their limbs, but with their limbs they did not lose their
spirits for they enthusiastically encouraged their Coinrades never to abandon the standard of Liberty and
their Country —this I do assure you, Sir, is not in the
stile of Gasconading Romance usual after every successful action, but literally fact; I with pleasure mlention the circumstance as it augurs well to the cause of
freedom —At eleven the fire ceas'd, having continued
just twelve hours without the least intermission. What
the Enemy's intentions are now, it is impossible to divine. I am inclin'd to think they'will (if they can
repass the Barr) bend their course to Cheasepeack or
Hampton Bay, perhaps shame & rage may prompt their
land Forces to some attempt before their Departure;
on my part I shall spare no pains to discover their
intentions and baffle their schemes.
As Georgia is a district of the Commaal with which
you have honol'd me, I thought it prudent to request




THE LEE PAPERS.              109
some of their members to a conference with the president of this province and myself-They accepted the
Invitation and gave us great satisfaction from their
intelligence and good sense-inclosed is the substance
of their deliberation.
The Province is certainly of the last importance to
the common cause, and the mode of protecting it pointed out by these Gentlemen, is in my opinion in all its
parts wise and necessary. They had conceived a notion
that I had powers to augment their establishment.  I
assured'eml I had no such powers, but both Mr. Rutledge
and myself gave it as our opinion that any expenses
manifestly beyond their faculties which they might
incurr in the common cause, wou'd be repaid by the
Congress, and in this perswasion we ventured to encourage them to augment their Cavalry without loss of time
and make the proposed present of Cattle to the Indians-Indeed, Sir, without a strong Corps of cavalry
I do not see how it is possible to protect these Southern
Colonies, and with one thousand good cavalry, I think
I cou'd ensure their protection  from the want of this
species of Troops Charlestown & its dependencies had
certainly been lost if the Enemy had acted with the
vigor and expedition we had reason to expect, but a
most unaccountable langour and inertness on their parts
have saved us-if the scheme I proposed in Virginia
had been approved and adopted it wou'd have been not
only a security but considerable economy —the forage
wVas to have been the only expense —now I am upon
the subject, I cannot help mentioning that I have been
inform'd that the project has been considered by some
Gentlemen as a sort of presumption in me in arrogating
such a power but I fancy the affair was not properly
understood; I saw the immediate necessity of such a
corps —I knew they cou'd be rais'd immediately by
these means, and at the same time I was given to understand by several Gentlemen of the Virginian Convention,
that shou'd the Continental Congress disapprove of the
expense (trifling as it was) there was little doubt of




110              THE LEE PAPERS.
their Convention defraying it —but in fact, Sir, the
measure seeml'd necessary for the Salvation of the Provinces; and not a day was to be lost, which I hope will
fully justify my Conduct, and I mUSt beg leave to
repeat my assertion that without Cavalry these Provinces cannot easily be defended. I wish some means
cou'd be devised of reducing East Florida to an American Province —had I force sufficient, I should, with
your permission, certainly attempt it —the advantages
must be great and manifold.
The augmentation of the Georgian Cavalry I sincerely hope may be approved of by the Congress-inclos'cL is the establishment and pay proposed for'emI think the terms not high.
I shall. Sir, conclude with expressirg the high satisfaction I have received from the zeal, activity and
public spirit of the Gentlemen and Inhabitants of this
City and Province, from the President & Council down
to the lowest order of the People, and with assuring
you that I have not in my military capacity met with
the least obstruction or difficulty, but that we have all
worked in concert and harmony for the common good.
I will earnestly request you will pay my respects to the
Congress, and be perswaded Sir, that I am most entirely
and devotedly
Your most Obedient Servant
CHARLES LEE.
To The Hona John Hancock,
President of the Continental Congress.
The Georgia Troopers have according to the establishment of their Congress fifty Shillings sterling P
man, rations for themselves, but find arms, horses, and
forage —the Captain's pay is Ten Pounds sterling P
month —the Lieutenants Six pounds-the Quarter Mlaster four pounds.
P. S. Lord Dunmore has with him  I believe at
present only one ship of War-if any part of the Con



THE LEE PAPERS,             111
tinental Fleet shou'd happen to visit Hampton Bay at
this juncture, it would defeat the whole scheme of the
Enemy's operations at least for this Campaign —but it
is impossible to say how long his Lordship may remain
in this weak condition.
NARRATIVE, ETC.
[Inclosed in the foregoing letter.]
Narrative, by Thomas Burnitt, of Col. Davidson's
Massachusetts Regiment, Daniel Hawkins of Boston, Robert Scott and Edmund Alston of New
Hampshire, and James Scott of Virginia, deserters
from the fleet which attacked and were beaten off
by the Fort at Sullivan's Island, on Friday, the
28th [June], 1776. They are all Americans, and
had been taken by the enemy at sea: Burnitt,
Hawkins, and Scott in the Sloop Sally, Hawkins
and Alston in the Brigantine Friendship.
The Bristol of 50 guns, commanded by Sir Peter
Parker, greatly damaged in her hull, large knees and
timbers shot through and smashed: —if the water had
not been very smooth, it would have been impossible to
have kept her from sinking; all the carpenters in the
fleet have been called to her assistance.
Mizen mast shot away, main mast badly wounded
by 3 several shots, foremast by 2, rigging sails and
yards much damaged.
The Captain of the Commodore lost his left arm
above the elbow; he was sent yesterday (30th June) to
England in a brig. The Commodore's breeches torn
off —his back side laid bare, his thigh and knee
wounded; he walks only when supported by two men.
44 men killed, and 30 wounded, among whom were




112              THE LEE PAPERS.
many Midshipmen, and inferior Officers; 20 of the
wounded dead since the action-talked in the fleet that
the two large ships would go over the Bar again, and
proceed to English harbour in Antigua to be repaired.
The Bristol, when lightened as much as possible, draws
18 feet 7 inches water.
Experiment of 50 guns on 2 decks, all 12 pounders;
a slighter built vessel than the Bristol exceedingly
damaged in her hull-several ports beat in, and her
mizzen mast hurt, but uncertain of particulars.  57
killed, of whom the Captain was one, 30 wounded,
several of whom since died; draws when lightened 17
feet water; the general opinion that neither of these
large ships will go safely over the Bar again.
Solbay 28 guns, 2 men killed, and 4 wounded;
D'Active, 28 guns, Lieutenant killed, and 4 wounded;
Acteon, 28 guns, Sphynx, 20() guns, Syren, 98 guns, all
got aground, the first in coming up, the two latter in
Xrunning away; the Sphynx cut away her bowsprit, the
Syren got off, Acteon (by the assistance of 20 English
seamen) remained fast, burnt and blown up by her own
people (whilst she was on fire, Mr. Milligan, one of our
[Carlolina] Marine Officers, and a party of men boarded
her, brought off her colors, the ship's bill, and as many
sails and stores as three boats could contain.)
The Thunderbomb lay at a considerable distance,
throwing shells at the fort, and by overcharging had
shattered her beds, and damaged the ship so nluch, as
to render it necessary for her to go into dock before she
can act again. The Friendship, a hired armed vessel
of 26 guns of various sizes, covered the Bomb, as did
the Syren, who also fired briskly at the Fort Briocket
[ricochet] shots; the whole fleet badly manned and
sickly, particularly the Syren's men at two-thirds short
allowance of provisions and water; they have had no
fresh meat since their arrival, the 1st of June.
Lord Win. Campbell had been very anxious for the'attack, and proposed taking all the forts with only the
Syren and Solbay. Lord Cornwallis has the chief conl



TIHE LEE PAPERS.              113
mand of the land force.  He and Gen. Clinton are both
on shore with the troops at Long Island.  His Lordship had sometime ago urged Sir Peter Parker to attack
on the seaside, otherwise he would march up, attack,
and take the Fort, and complain of Sir IPeter's tardiness.
The Commander repliedcl   Corunw-allis might march his
troops, when lie pleased, but the fleet recquired a fair
windc; the first that happened he would proceed against
the Fort.  The general at that timle believed we had no
troops out of garrison, but he was soon better informed,,
being since repulsed and drove back with loss. He remained quiet, and left the Commodore to enjoy the
glory of being defeated alone.  This must be a nmistake, from  Loid Cornwallis having the columand when
the fleet left Ireland.
A  Negro Pilot [who is exceedingly caressed, was
on board the Commodore and] was put down with the
Doctor out of danger;- when they sailed from Ireland
the number of men 4000 —11 transports parted from
them had not been heard of since —which withl desertions ieduced them to 1500 or 2000 at most.  They
began to steal off betAween 9 and 10 of the clock, made
no noise, nor waited to heave up, and not slipt cable.
The Commodore has only one anchor and cable left.  2
o'clock on Friday the Fort, waiting for a supply of
powder  the men of wars men mistaking the unavoidable delay for surrender, cried "they have done fighti'ng."  "By God," says others, -" we are glad of it; for
we never had such a dcrubbing in our lives.  We had
been told the Yankees would not stand two fires, but
we never saw better fellows."-All the commion men
in the fleet spoke loudly in praise of the garrison,
brave, fine fellows; the men in general very desirous
of getting on shore to join the Americans.
VOL. I[.- 8




114              THE LEE PAPERS.
CONFERENCE WITH TIlE GEORGIA DEPUTIES.
[Incloseed in the 2preceling letter to C(ongress.]
The Deputies sent from Georgia by Desire of His
Excellency General Lee to confer with him upon the
State of that Colony in order to devise the best Method
of putting it in a proper Posture of Defence beg leave
to represent, That from the weak and defenceless situation of the Colony, surrounded as it is with Enemies,
It stands in immediate need of Assistance from the
General Congress. And when they consider that however small the Colony may be of itself in a comparative
Point of View, yet that from the great Plenty of Provision-numerous stocks of Cattle-excellent InletsHarbours and Rivers (perhaps equal to any upon the
Continent) with  which the  Colony  abounds — and
above all the firm attachment of its Inhabitants to the
American cause —they are led to trust that the Protection and Security of that Colony will be held an object
of considerable Importance.
No one of the thirteen United Colonies is so weak
within or so much exposed from without. To the East
the Inhabitants suffer the Ravages of British Cruizers
— their Negroes are daily inveigled & carried away
from  their Plantations.  British Fleets may be supplied with Beef from several large Islands well stocked
with cattle which line their Coast, and round which
large ships may sail-To the South they have the Province of East Florida-the Inhabitants and Soldiery
in which must of Necessity make Inroads upon Georgia
for the Article of Provision with which they have
heretofore been chiefly supplied. Georgia here stands
as a Barrier to South Carolina-and effectually secures
that Province against the like Depredations-the Southern Parts of Georgia contain vast stocks of Cattle and
our most valuable Rice Plantations lie that way, by
some late computations there are said to be upwards




THE LEE PAPERS.             11 5
of 30,000 of Head of black Cattle in the Province, and
Hogs &~ without Number. We have certain Accounts
of their being at this time upwards of 1000 British
Troops in St Augustine.
To the West and almost down upon the Georgia
Line are the most numerous tribes of Indians now in
North America-to wit the Creeks, Cherokees, Choctaws and a number of small Tribes, in the whole at least
15,000 Gun-Men-All these Nations have been much
tampered with by the Emissaries of Government and
without the utmost Exertions of Prudence on our side
it is feared may be brought to act against us-they are
so situated as to make it extremely convenient for our
Enemies to supply them from E. & W. Florida, with
Ammunition and every thing else they want. Our last
accounts from the Indians are rather unfavorable, and
when we consider their natural Principle of Infidelity
and how much more able our Enemies are to purchase
their Friendship by presents &c than we are, there seems
to be the greatest Reason to apprehend a Rupture with
thefr —in such a Case the Fate of Georgia may be
easily conceived. Add to all these considerations the
vast Numbers of Negroes we have, perhaps of themselves Sufficient to subdue us-in Point of Numbers the
Blacks exceed the Whites; and the ready Channel of
Supply and secure retreat which St Augustine affords
render them  much to be dreaded. The Conquest of
Georgia would doubtless be considered as a great acquisition by Gt Britain. It is a most excellent Provision Country-abounds with Ship-Timber and Lumber of all kinds and is most conveniently situated for a
Place of Rendezvous to their Shipping.
Under all these Circumstances it must certainly appear indispensably necessary that Measures be immnediately taken for the Defence and Security of that
Province, but the low situation in Point of Means or
Ability of its Inhabitants puts it out of their Power to
do so of themselves, more especially as they have been
already put to a very great Expense in consequence of




116              THE LEE PAPERS.
the late descent upon them. The great objects seem to
be, Men, Fortification and a good understanding with
the Indians. We would therefore beg leave to propose.
1"t That his Excellency General Lee be requested to
state the peculiar situation of the Province of Georgia
to the General Congress and to obtain directions from
them to raise and take into Continental Pay so many
Men as may be conceived to be sufficient to defend that
Province-in our opinion less than Six Battalions will
not answer the Purpose.  But as we do not conceive
any of these Men can be recruited in Geo.'gia we would
apprethend it full as eligible (if that can be done) to
order some of the Reimnlents already raised to march
thither, and further that the four Troops of Horse already raised be augmented to a Regiment and put upon
the Continental Establishment. Part of these Battalions and Troops may be so stationed —as to serve equally
for the protection of Georgia and South Carolina agSs
the Indians, and above all may entirely shut up the
Communication between them and our Enemlies to the
Southward, which will certainly be the most effectual
Means of preventing an Indian War.
2ndlY That the sum of                 sterling be
granted by the General Congress for building Fortifications and Guard Boats in the Province of Georgia
the reason why we conceive this ought to be a general
Charge because it is evident the same will serve against
attacks from  the South and for Cutting off the Colmmunication between E. & W. Florida and the Indians
upon which the Peace of the back Inhabitants of Georgia So Carolina, INo. Carolina & Virginia depends —Besides It seems to be a Part of the plan of Administration to throw Forces into the Indian Country where
they expect to be Joined by considerable Numbers of
the Savages, and in this Event there is no Province
or Place through which they can so conveniently pass
as thro' Georgia.
3 rdly It is a fixt Principle with the Indians to be paid
for their good offices, and in this Controversy we con



THE LEE PAPERS.                117
ceive they will expect to be well paid even for Neutral
ity. The articles they prefer Awill doubtless be ammnunition and Cloathing but these we have it not in our
Power to give them.  We would then propose OCattle as
a substitute, and are inclined to think if the Conlilmunication betweenl theml  & our Enemnies were cut off they
AITwould soon be brought to be well satisfied with a Present of this Kind. It is therefore submitted to the General Congress whether it wd not be worth whvlile to give
Directions that a Numnber not exceeding 5000 Head of
Cattle be purchased, and Distributed amlong the Indianis by the Commissioners.  We are of Opinion this
step would answer many valuable Purposes anld would
have a tendency not only of attaching them to our Interest from Gratitude, but would also be a Aleans of
civilizing them, and by fixing the Idea of Property
would keep them honest and peaceable with us for Fear
of Reprizals.
JONATHAN BRYAN,
JOIN HOUSTOUN7
LAcIN MCINTOSH.
Endorsed by Genzercl Lee. Result of a Conferenca of the Georgian
Deputies.
To ROBERT MORRIs.
Chaillestown July 2d 17 76.
Dn MonRIS
I shall not trouble you with a detail of the Enemy's
late attack on Sullivan's Island and their repulse, if I
may not call it a defeat.  You will have the whole
from my letter to the Congress-let it suffice that our
men acted nuch better than I had any conception raw
troops would do. The advantage must be considerable
and the credit to our Arms undoubtedly gireat-the
slaugllter on the side of the Tyrants mercenaries was




118              TIlE LEE PAPERS.
not trifling-but they deserv'd it.  I want my dr. friend
to talk a little on my own affairs —it is true I cannot
positively and formally prove that my fortune is confiscated —but I have the strongest reason to believe it
and have no means of proving it-In short my situation with regard to circumstances is more whimsical and
disagreeable than any man's on the Continent. I have
really nothing that I can call my own —the half of the
Estate pay'd for is more properly yours than mine. I
have this morning been conversing with Mr Rutledge on
the subject-He is of the opinion that the Congress ought
of their own Accords at least to have advanced the
whole purchase money of this Estate —that it is indelicate to keep me in this most rigid state of dependency than other men. He is now writing to Mr Lynch
and his brother Ned to urge'ema to a motion of this kind
— there is one circumstance to be consider'd, how aml I
to pay the interest of the money borrow'd for the purchase? how I am to pay the interest due on the different mortgages? I am sensible that the Congress have
made a hard bargain but they were pleased to think
otherwise-Upon the whole my friend for my ease and
let me add for the credit of the Congress, I must intreat and request that you will exert yourself in concert with my other Friends particularly Rutledge, the
Lee's, Dickinson and the Adanms's to compass the payment for the full pur6hase money —not only that borrow'd and pay'd but to clear off the incumbrances,
and likewise one thousand pounds or five hundred to
set the Estate agoincg —let me have some realized property —altho' not half I have stak'd and most probably lost
— and I shall be easy. I shall then bustle with double
vigor, for to confess the truth I have hours of great
uneasiness on the subject —besides will not the bargain
the Congress have made in me appear still harder
when the whole bill comes upon'em at once principal
and interest not to be prolix-put yourself in my
place, and tell me wou'd you not think it a duty to
yourself to realize something?  I have already shewn




TILE LEE PAPERS.            119
the highest confidence in the honour of the Congress.
I have still the same confidence, but it is composed
not only of mortal but changeable men.  Once more
therefore let me intreat you to exert yourself in this
(to me) so important a point. I must beg you will
communicate this letter to the Gentlemen I have mentioned and to any other members you think proper
and relieve my uneasiness folly or whatever name
you chuse to give it. Adieu God bless you and all
your family.
Yours entirely and affectionately
CHARLEs LEE.
My two young aid de camps Byrd and Morris
stand fire charmingly. I have a third aid de camp a
Mr. Jenifer a young gentleman of about five and fifty
who is no flincher, the little secretary Nourse behaved
likewise very calmnly and sedately.
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Charlestown, July 2, 1776.
SIR:
My having early in life engaged in the last war under you, and the present one we are engaged in appearing to be an affair that will not be Very shortly settled, induces me to solicit your notice and patronage in obtaining a promotion of rank in some measure adequate to
my long service and rank last war. In this I flatter
myself with your notice to Congress, as otherwise I may
pass altogether unnoticed amongst the many promotions
taking place; and my principal having left a vacancy
by his promotion, hope this application will not be out
of time.   I am, with the utmost respect,
Your obedient, humble servant,
THO-MAS BULLITT
DEAR GENERAL:
You must consider this as a Postscript, and at the




120               THE LEE PAPERS.
same time recommendatory letter of your old friend
Thomas Bullitt.  He is certainly a muan of imerit, and
entitled, from his length of services, zeal, and valour to
higher rank than he enjoys.
C. LEE.
To THE PlRESIDENT OF THIE CONlVENTION OF VIRGINIA,
ETC.
Charlestown, July ye 3rd 1776.
SIR,
Our affair on the 28th was much more imlportant
than I at first conceiv'd  inclosed is the narrative of
some Deserters, one of whom  is a very intelligent fellow
— I think it is my duty to send this account in its proper form neither adding nor curtailing a singl]e circumstance.  I congratulate you Sir, and the public on an
event which certainly does great credit to the American
Arms and I hope must be attended with very great advantages.
I am Sir, &C
CHARLES LEE.
I must beg Sir, you'll be very expeditious in forwarding the powder to this place.
To the Honorable The President of the Convention
of Virginia, & to the President of the Council of
North Carolina enclosing to each of'emn a Narrative of the late Engagemlent, Enenmy's loss, &c,
as taken from somle Deserters.
To SIn HENRY CLINTON.
Charlestown July ye 3rd 1776.
SIR,
A Certain Walker was by a most whimsical concurrence of wind and tide hurried into the midst of our




THE LEE PAPERS.               121
Sentinels at the end of Sullivan's Island.  He says he
is Master of a Brig Transpolrt and has the principal
prop)elty in the Vessel —as the man wou'd probably be
ruin'd by this odd accident, Mr. Rutledge President of
the Province and myself would propose to you an exchange of this Walker for Ethan Allen, or if he is not
at present in your Fleet or Army for any two of the
Connecticut privates who were taken prisoners with
Allen, I confess honestly to you, Sir, that I am extremely desirous of redeeming Allen and his whlole party —
you I am sure are liberal enough to compassionate the
sufferings of those who think at least they are engaged
in a righteous cause —In this perswasion I propose to
you an exclhange man for man of these People with the
Soldiers of the 14th who were taken Prisoners at the
Great Bridclge in Virginia —if therefore any of this
party are at present in your Custody you will oblige
me much in releasing'em.  I pledge my word and
honor that an equal number of the fourteenth shall be
sent from the place of their confinement to Lord Dunmore's Camp or wherever you think proper.
I take the liberty to request you'll accept of a small
quantity of fruit and vegetables which perhaps in your
situation are not easily procur'd —This I hope you will
consider as a testimony of the regard I have for your
personal qualities —the President joins Awith me in a
high opinion of Mr. Clinton.
I have, I am told, an intimate Friend and Comrade
in your Corps, Captain Primrose Kennedy of the 44th
— I intreat you will assure him of my love and Friendship and send himll a small portion of the Fruit.
Mr. Byrd, one of my Aid de Camps is the Flag,
who I am confident will be treated with all the respect
due to his character.
I am Sir,
Your most Obt Servant
CEARLEs LEE.
To Major Genl. Clinton.
(Sent by a flag of truce.)




122              THE LEE PAPERS.
To LIEUT. COL. PALFREY.
Charlestown, July ye 3rd 1776.
MY DR PAL}EREY,7
The old observation that [money] spoileth the [wit]
is not exemplify'd in you  on the contrary, you never
[were] in your life so brilliant as since you were
Master of twice fifty Dollars p'r month-God inspire the Congress with the whim of increasing your
store, that you may become still a more entertaining
-Correspondent —-if it was not for this consideration
I cou'd wish you with us.  We often long to laugh
with the gallant Palfrey-but you wou'd only afford
us half the Amusement you did formerly-for you
must remember that not only the quantity of good
things which came out of your mouth but the quantity of good things which went into your mouth furnish'd us with matter of wonder and pleasure  but,
alas, were you with us you wou'd be totally eclips'd in
one of these branches-We have a little Secretary that
cou'd eat up you and your whole Family. We have a
considerable wager now depending, Spada is to fast
thirty six hours and the Secretary twelve.  They alre
then to start together on a course of roast Beef. I
have laid on Spada, but the majority of those who
are acquainted with the abilities of the two gentlemen, are clear that I shall lose. You will hear of a
snub We have given Sir P. Parker.  I assure you it
was hot busyness. My two Aid de Camps Byrdl and
Morris stand fire most divinely —Upon my Soul they
are spirited lads. I must now intreat, My Dr. Palfrey,
that you will assist Capt. Grere in unravelling his
accounts with the men of the different Regiments
otherwise I must [ask] Whitcombe. Adieu. Write
to me often-My love to Morland and Beyler.
Yours most affectionately
CHARLES LEE.
To Lieut. Col. Palfrey,
Paymaster General.




THE LEE PAPERS.             193
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown 5th July 1776.
DEAR SIR,
There is so much confusion arising from Commands
issuing from different Quarters, that I must request
that the Quarter Master General has the sole direction
of all which is properly in his Department; the house
for instance where the Tools are kept, is shut up to him
Powder is sent to the Posts without letting me know,
in short we are playing at Duke & No Duke, and
throwing everything into confusion and anarchy-I do
not mention these things from  any jealousy of command, but really and literally for the good of the service and wish that everything military was conducted
thro' one proper Channel.    I am Dear Sir,
Your most Obt Servant
CHARLES LEE.
To John Rutledge, Prest. &c
The necessary works are all at a stand, and have
been at a stand these seven days.
FRoM COL. RICHARD HENRY LEE.
Williamsbg 6th July, 1776.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
The inclosed form of Government will shew you
that this Country has in view a permanent system of
Liberty. Mr Henry is chosen Governor, and a Privy
Council is appointed to assist him in the discharge of
his important duty-A new Great Seal, adapted to our
State is ordered to be made, and now, we have in all
respects a full and free Government which this day
begins the exercise of its powers.  The Convention of
Maryland has rescinded the mischievous instructions
with which they had bound their Delegates, empowered




1294             THE LEE PAPERS.
three of them to join the other Colonies in a vote of Independcence, Foreign Alliance, Confederation, &e. By
this timle I expect the two former are settled in Con.gress —Before this reaches you, no doubt you will have
heared of our having taken in this Bay a Transport with
217 Highllanders, and by this Post we learn that 5
Transports more with the same kind of Cattle have
been carried into the Eastern Ports-But this good
news is allayed by more adverse fortune in Canadcla —
Gen. Thomson with 2000 men went to dislodge 300
Regular Troops at the three Rivers whence he was met
by Gen. Burgoyne with a considerable force-Thomson's forces were routed himself and Col. Irwin taken
prisoners, with the loss of 150 men killed, wounded, &
taksen prisoners.  The rest joined our Army at the
mouth of Sorel.  In short, ouir affairs in Canada, at
present wear but an indifferent aspect.  We learn b)y
this post that a very extensive conspiracy (pushed on
by British gold) has been detected at New-York —
General Washington was to have been assassinated, the
magazine blown up, and the cannon spikedl-'Tis said
the Mayor of N. York was concerned in the Plot. Many
are now in Jail for this nefarious business. Lord Dunmore still remains on Gwin's Island where Caterpillar like, we hear he has devoured everything in that
place, so that it is probable force of some kind or other
will shortly drive him thence but where Ihe will fasten
next we cannot guess.  We are concerned here at not
hearing from you, and and are obliged to comfort ourselves
with the consideration that no news is good news. I
shall return to Congress about the last of August, and
in the meantime nothing will more contribute to my
happiness than to hear that you are healthy, happy,
and successful.  Our cause is the cause of Virtue and
mankind, and well supported as it is, I have no doubt
of its' success.  Farewell my dear Friend
RICHARD HENRY LEE.
My direction is at Chantilly, Westmorelancld County,
Virginia.




THE LEE PAPERS.               125
FRoMr COL. LACITHLAN MCINTOSII
SIR,
Since I camle to Savannah we hear from the Southward that a number of Regulars & Indians to the
amount of 5 or six lhundred are come fron St Augustine
to the River St Marys with Intention it is said to cross
that River & enter this Province. A party of Militia
were ordered in consequence of this Intelligence to
assist the Rangers in repellinog them frlom whom we had
no accot yet —and the out Detachments of my Battalion
brought in for the protection of the Town, least the
attemllpt froln  the Southward  may be intended  to
facilitate, & co-operate with an attack fronl Sea, which
seems probable —We are further informed that somle of
the Foreign Troops are lately arrived in St Augustine —
that they have mlany Indians there also who are regularly trained every Day. This I thought proper to
mention to your Excellency that you may be better able
to Judge of the Enemy's Intention by Comparing their
motions here with their Manceuvres in Carolina.
I shall be glad to receive your particular Orders on
this and every other Matter that occurs, and have the
Honor to be your Excellys'
Most obt Hble Servant
LACHN MICINTOSI.
Savannlah in Georgia, 7 July, 1776.
The Bearer of this is Lieut CoP Elbert of the
Georgia Continental Battalion.
Since I wrote the above an accot is just recd p.
Express that the Indian's has killed one Captn Smith &
his Family on little Rliver abot 150 Miles west of this
Town, and have taken several Family's prisoners at &
near Kecowee Fort Pr-ince George, and carry'd them
over the Hills to Cameron Stewarts Commissary
To His Excellency Charles Lee, Esq. Major General
& Comlmnander in Chief of the American Foirces
in the Southern District Charleston So Carolina.




126             THE LEE PAPERS.
To COLONEL MOULTRIE.
Charlestown, 7th July, 1776.
DEAR COLONEL,
I am extremely concern'dcl that the materials are not
provided, which are necessary for carrying on, and
finishing the works proposed in your Fort and Island;
but at the same time I think the Negroes you have with
you may be usefully employ'd-they may fill up the
Merlons which are not yet full-they may palisade (for
I believe you have palisades sufficient) the low, and
most accessible parts of the Embrasures & angles-Is
your Gate finish'dcl?  How is the Bridge?  I beg you
will inform me, and am Dr Colonel
Your most obt Servt
CHARLES LEE.
To Colonel Moultrie,
at Sullivan's Island.
To GENERAL ARMSTRONG.
Charlestown, July ye 7th, 1776).
DEAR GENERAL,
I think, with you, that General Clinton is not a
Soldier of so poor a stamp, as to abandon all thoughts
of making an impression either on the Town Forts or
your Post merely because the Commodores Squadron
was the other day repulsed-I am extremely uneasy in
not being able to put all these places hors d'insultbut an Angel from Heaven cou'd not get the better of
the indolent & procrastinating spirit of these peoplesix days have I been assur'd that Palmeto logs in abundance were provided, and not a single log is (as I can
discover) procur'd. Fascines, I have order'd to be made,
but no Tools are to be found for the purpose-in short,
the whole is sunk into one universal sleep.




TIIE LEE PAPERS.             127
As you very prudently propose fortifying your post,
I must desire you will inform me whether you want
Guns-what size and number?  I must request likewise
that you will announce in public orders, that for the
future if any Militia men attempt to quit their station
without orders, they will be treated as Mutineers and
Deserters on the spot without waiting for a formal
Tryal.
I think the Guard in Tufts Schooner shou'd be order'd not to suffer any of'emr to pass without proper
authority and if they attempt to pass by force to fire
upon'em —but previous to this order the whole must
be apprized of it.
I am Dear General,
Your most obt'
CHARLES LEE.
To Brigadier General Armstrong,
Hadrals Point.
To EDMUND PENDLETON.
Charlestown July ye 7th. 1776
SIR,
Mr Rutledge will inform you by this Express of the
outrages committed by the Cherokees which must be
construed as the commencement of a war.
As it is now certain that a capital and favourite part
of the plan laid down by his most excellent and clement
majesty George the Third, is to lay waste the Provinces,
burn the habitations and mix men women and children
in common carnage by the hands of the Indians; and as
this part of his plan tho' of a piece in humanity is certainly more big with mischievous consequences than the
rest, It appears to me absolutely necessary to crush the
evil before it arises to any dangerous height indeed if
we avail ourselves of the event, it may prove a fortunate
one —perhaps we ought in policy to have a wish for it.




128               THE LEE PAPERS.
We can now with the greatest justice strike a blow
which is necessary to intimidate the numerous tribes of
Indians from  falling into the measures of the Tyrant,
and as these Cherokees are not esteemed the most formidable Warriors we can probably do it without much
risk or loss.  I think then Sir, that without a imoments
delay a body of your Frontier Riflemen shou'd be immediately furnish'd forth, and march into the Country
of the Over hill Cherokees and make a severe lasting
and salutary example of'em. The Carolinas propose at
the same time attacking their lower Towns and with
the co-operation of Virginia entertain no doulbt of success.
Clinton's Army and Parkers Squadron are pretty
much in the same situation as when I wrote last —they
daily indeed make some alterations in the position of
their land Troops from one Island to another —-perhaps
for new air or water of which the Deserters say tlhey are
in great want —they tell us likewise that considerable
sickness prevails in the Army and greater disconltents
from  hard duty and bad diet —The spirit of desertion
begins to shlew itself; five soldiers came over these last
last two nights, who assure us that were they not on an
Island from which it is difficult to escape two thirds of
their army wou'd soon be with us —I am myself inclined
to believe'em —upon the whole, when I consider thie
difficulties which the Enemy Generals have to encounter
— the temper and disposition of their Troops, and the
improving spirit of ours, I assure myself that the game
is in our hands.  God give us more grace than to shuffle it away. I am Sir
Your most obed humble Servant
CHARnns LEE.
To The Hono Edm lllPendleton
President of the Convention of Virginia.
P. S. I must request that any letters I adcldress to
your Convention may be forwarded to the Congress
when you think'em of sufficient importance.




THE LEE PAPERS.             129
To THE PRESIDENT OF THE CONGRESS OF NORTH
CAROLINA.
Charlestown 7th July 1776.
SIR,
Mr Rutledge will inform you by this Express of the
Outrages committed by the Cherokees which must be
now construed as the commencement of a war.
As it is now certain that a capital and favourite part
of the plan laid down by his most excellent and clement
Majesty George the Third is to lay waste the provinces,
burn the habitations &c &~ &c without much risk or
loss (as the foregoing letter to the Convention of Virginia) I think then, Sir, that without a moments delay a Body of Riflemen from your Province shou'd be
immediately furnish'd forth, to act in conjunction with
the South Carolinas against the lower Nation, whilst
the Virginians march against the Upper —I make no
doubt of your being able to make a severe lasting &
salutary example of them.
Clinton's Army and Parkers Squadron &0 (as the
foregoing Letter to the Convention of Virginia)-God
give us more grace than to shuffle it away.
I am Sir, Your most obt. humble Servant
CHARLES LEE.
To the Honorable the President
of the Provincial Council of
North Carolina.
To COLONEL MOULTRIE.
Charlestown, July 7th, 1776.
General Lee's compliments to Colonel Moultrie, and
desires he may come to town as soon as he thinks proper; he hopes the air will cure his gout.
VOL. II. 9




130.THE LEE PAPERS.
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown July 9th, 1776.
DEAR SIR,
Colonel Moutrie informs me that not a Palmeto log
is yet arrived in the Island-Upon my Soul we have all
a great deal to answer for —ten days have been suffer'd
to pass over our heads without adding the least to
our strength. I wish your Excellency wou'd order
sorme of your People to make enquiries on this head —
even the Timber for the Gate has not been sent, altho'
it has been promis'd many days, from, Dear Sir,
Your most obedt humble Servant
CHARLES LEE.
To His Excellency John Rutledge.
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown, July 12th 6 o'clock, 1776.
DEAR SIR,
Colonel Gadsdens proposal shews undoubtedly a
noble disposition, but it is really so repugnant to common prudence to make an attempt this night, that I
cannot consent to it —the Enemy must be greater Dunces
that I can yet conceive'ema if they are not by this time
hors d'insult-an hours work is sufficient to ensure'em
against a surprise of this kind-I am however extremely happy to see this military ardor prevailing amongst
your men and officers, and if they trust to me it shall
be avail'd of to the public Service.
I am Dr Sir, Yours
CHARLES LEE.
To His Excellency Jn~ Rutledge.




TH{E LEE PAPERS.            131
FROM JOHN PAGE.
Wmsburg, July ye 12th 1 77f.
MY DEAR GENERAL,
Your kind concern for liy Health made me happy,
& the high Approbation you Express of my public conduct highly gratified my Pride-I had the pleasure of
receiving your letter which did me so much honour
about the 9th of last Month-I was then at Mr Harrison's near Petersburg, where I had gone with Mrs Page
for the recovery of her health —Our Trip happily has
answered our Wishes —& we are once more fixed in
WmSburg. It is now four Weeks since we have received
any certain Account of the Situation of Affairs in either
of the Carolinas —Even your Letter to Brigadier Lewis
countermanding the March of the Troops did not arrive
here'till four weeks after it was written. ThIle Regiments had just began their March, but had they not
been scattered abroad on distant stations and badly
provided with necessaries for such an Expedition, they
would have reached the Place of their Destination before your Express could have stopped them-It will be
worth your while to examine into the occasion of this.
I thought it a matter of so much importance to have
such Orders communicated with Dispatch, that I advised the Brigadier to send an Express to you immediately to inform you of the unaccountable Delay that
yours had met with, & to recommend it to you to establish a Post throughout your District, but he was preparing for an Expedition against Gwyn Island —The
Brigadier set out last Monday on his Way to our Camp,
attended by the Cols. Woodford, Stephen, Buckner &
Weedon, & some others, intending to examine into the
strength of the Enemy, and submit the propriety of an
Attack to a Council of War-they reached the Camp
that Night, & the next Day finding that the Dunmore
had changed Stations with the Otter, & had exposed
herself very prettily to the very Place where we had




132              THE LEE PAPERS.
been preparing a Battery for the Otter, they determined not to lose this good opportunity of beginning
their Cannonade in which they might severely & principally chastise the noble Earl-at 8 o'clock A.M.
Capt. Arundel, & Lieut. Denny saluted the Dunmore
& Otter with 2 18 Pounders-the very first Shot at the
Otter, though a full Mile from our Battery struck her
as is supposed between Wind & Water, for she did not
return the Fire but was towed off on the Careen —
the Dunmore fired a Broad side & then was towed off,
having received 4 shot through her Sides, whilst she
was in Tow she received a 5th through her stern which
raked her —scarcely a shot was fired which did not do
execution in some part of the Fleet-a Schooner lost one
of her mlasts —whilst Lieut Denny was firing on the
Fleet, their Battery on the Island, began to play on
Ihim, & a Ball passed through his Embrasure, on which
he immediately turned his Cannon on their Battery
(for he had taken the precaution to have scope enough
to take in the Fleet & that part of their Battery) &
fired 3 Times successively into their Embrasure, which
3 Rounds completely silenced that Part of the Battery.
The other Part facing our Lines on the Haven, was
almost as soon silenced by our Battery erected against
it with 4 Nine and 3 Six Pounders —Part of their Camp
was a little exposed to both of our Batteries which fired
a few rounds into it-this Fire was as well directed as
that against their Ships for it beat down many of their
tents and threw their Camp into the utmost Confusion.
When this was discovered the Brigadier ordered Can-'nows to be brought down to enable his men to pass over
into the Island-for unhappily we had not a Boat on
the shore-these could not be procured'till the next
day, when a smart Cannonade began between the Bat-.teries, but as soon as our men had manned their Boats,
their Fire ceased, & they retreated with precipitation!to their Boats, and escaped safely to their ships having.first broken off the Trunnions &c of their Cannon —
-there were 3 Tenders up the Haven which could not




THE LEE PAPERS.               133
pass our batteries, these they abandoned-they endeavoured to burn one but our Men boarded it & extinguished the Flames. I understand that all of them
have their swivels in them, but it is reported that they
had thrown the Guns overboard —-We are now in Possession of the Island-lThe Fleet has retired but is in
sight-This might have been a complete Affair if proper Measures had been preconcerted & the whole well
conducted-However our men. behaved well-Oun  Artillery was admirably served, & we have disgraced and
mortifiedl  our Enemies. In this affair we lost not a
man-but most unhappily poor Capt. Arundel was
killed by the bursting of a wooden Mortar he was endeavouring to throw shells into the Fleet from —his
Loss is irreparable! He behaved with great spirit and
activity, & was so hearty in our Cause that he is universally lamented.  Col. Stephen is just returned from
Gwyns Island, he says the Enemy carried off all their
cannon from their Batteries except one Six pounder
which they spiked  they left 6 Carriage Guns in one
of the Tenders —-several Negroes and a few whites were
taken-2 Negroes & one of the 14th Regiment deserted
to us  The Prisoners inform  that Lord Dunmore's
Mate was cut in two by a double headed 18 Pounder
which also took off one Mans Arm & another's Leg, &
drove a splinter into his Lordship's Leg-Tom. Byrd
was ill of a Fever, & was carted off to a Boat just before our People landed —they were obliged to burn two
fine small Vessels that Day & at Night in the Mouth
of the River-they burnt also a large ship supposed to be
the Dunmore as she was not with the Fleet next Morning  it was the Logan-The Fowey it is said was with
the Fleet but did not chuse to come \within reach of our
Guns-The Roe-buck was at the Mouth of Rappahanock. The Colonel says when he camue away the whole
Fleet had sailed & were out of sight, & it was uncertain where they are gone-Sonle suppose to Marylandthey went off in a bad Plight without Biscuit or Water-Their Works were found of excellent Construce




13 4.THE LEE PAPERS.
tion & considerable extent-they were preparing to build
Houses and a Windmill-they had made a vast Collection of Materials for different works —Their Tents,
which they moved off except one markee which was
left in their Hurry and through which a Cannon Ball
had passed, were capable of containing about 700 or
800 Men-from many circumstances it is evident they
meant to stay there a considerable Time. I have been
interrupted in Awriting & before I could return to my
scrawl —I had the Happiness to receive your Letter of
the 3r' July. I most heartily congratulate you on your
Success —it was a most glorious Affair —a noble Defence! The british Navy has been happily checked in
her proud career & has received a most just & conlpleat
chastisement. What must the T7ylra nt think of himself
now?  The whole Continent in Arms against himl, 750
of his favourite Highlanders in our Possession & his
Fleets repulsed & disgraced along our Coasts for 2000
Miles! Doubtless the Hand of the Lord is upon him —
I hope he will repent & be contented to put up with
the Loss of America, or if he does not, that he may be
turned out like Nebuchadnezzar to graze —but enough'
of him. The Marylanders were roused up by the Resolve of our Convention & have lectured their Representatives so well that they have unanimously voted
for Indepenldency —they have no occasion for our Rifle
Men on that Account-however I can assure you on the
Eastern shore of Maryland there has been a considerable Insurrection of Tories in so much that Col. Fleming
has been obliged to march with 120 Men to quell theml
-we have not yet heard the Event of that Affair —a
considerable Number of those Wretches with Eden
were in the Fleet when we put themn to the Scamper —
Our affairs are managed most scandalously in Canada —
for God's sake advise theml  what to do, for they seem
to be quite at a loss. Did you ever rlecolllmend it to
Congress to set on Foot an Expedition against Detroit
and Niagara?  I think our Augusta men assisted by
the Pensylvanians would readily undertake the Redue




THE LEE PAPERS.              135
tion of Detroit-if they were allowed all the Plunder
they can take, & were to have a Premium  in Land.
Our Governor has been extremely ill of a bilious Fever
ever since his appointment, he is still unable to do
Busyness —but by the Ordinance we are enabled to
transact public Busyness without him, in such cases. I
have just heard that the Congress declared for Independency on ye 2nd of this month-I have written so
long and confusedly at full speed that it is time to
stop. Tom. Lee is gone home. My complts. to Brig.
General Howe, Col. Bullett, & the Gentn with himlI am most sincerely yours
JOHN PAGE.
P. S. I have scratched off & inclosed a little miserable sketch of Gwyns Island, as it appeared to me
when Mr Andrews and myself reconnoitred about 3
Weeks ago, & with our Quadrants measured the distance from our Lines to their Battery-We find it 475
yards-We then were of opinion that with the 2 18
Pounders and 4 9's, a Cannonade might do the Busyness for the Ships & Camp, which was then extremely
exposed, & that a Raft might be made in 24 Hours to
carry over Men enough to make Prisoners of every
Manl on the Island, but the Cannon were not mounted
-3 of our Cruizers and one Row Galley are at last come
down the Rivers.                           J. P.
The Dunmnore left 2 Cables & Anchors —the Fleet
7 fine Cables & Anchors, worth at least ~1200. I had
sealed my letter but opened it June 13th. to add a few
words more.
Lieut Denny who had been bred a seaman had
served on board a Man of War, & had commanded an
armed schooner on the Lakes, desired leave to take one
of the Prizes-The Lady Charlotte Tender, & cruise
out to reconnoitre the Fleet — he was permitted to do
so, and sailed down within a Mile of the Otter, gave
her a Broadside, & then returned, bringing home with




136              THE LEE PAPERS.
him  a fine anchor weighing.001b & a Cable of 90
Fathom. The Fleet is gone into the Mouth of Potomack. We have just received your Letter by Page,
dated June 29th. I am delighted with your description of the bravery of Col. Moutrie & the Garrison of
Fort Sullivan. Ii is not Flattery my dear General
when I tell you, that most of us here attribute the
glorious Display of Bravery on that Day to the animating Presence of a Commander, who independent of
his great military Abilities & experience appeared to
be the Evil Genius of Clinton, who had followed him,
& from whose presence he had seemed to retire & retreat along the Coast from Boston to Chas Town. All
that I could do as there were not Gentn enough in
Town to make a Council was to desire Brigr Lewis to
send immediately to North Carolina all the Powder
that could be spared out of the Magazille, about 4
thousand lbs will be sent. We have a large Quantity
on the eastern shore which we have ordered over-for
Gods sake establish a Post through your District.
Once more adieu.
J. P.
FRnoM COL. ADABM STEPHEN.
Wmburg, 13th July, 1776.
MY DEAR GENERAL,
In the words of that zealous Grecian who run himself to death, to announce at Athens the successful
Event of the Battle of Marathon; I do most cordially
congratulate you; ZeQacz! /at cocet,/r! Rejoice! Let
us Rejoice! Upon which expression, the Athenian expired; but there I beg leave to be off; and will patiently wait to hear more Joyful news from you.
The Event of that dreadful Cannonade is most astonishing. Porto Bello, Boccochico, & the other Castle
at Carthagena were compelled to yield to Vernon:
Fort Lewis in St Domingo yielded to Knowles's mettle:




TIHE LEE PAPERS.             12 7
Pray, of what stuff is Fort Sullivan made to resist so
many 12 R& 18 pounders, for so long a time?
It is to be Awished that Sir Peter Palker may quarrel
wh Cornwallis, for not crossing the gutt, whilst he was
exerting his utmost Force by water: & no doubt, but
Cornwallis will find some pretence for blameing him,
lbut then Sir Peter can produce his Breeches in Evidence.
I have been on Sullivans Island; but do not remember the distance of Long Island from the main: The
youth and fire of Cornwallis, will'tis to be hoped give
you an advantage: If it is an easy matter to make a
descent upon Long Island, the passage from Sullivan
to Long Island is far froml being impracticable, so that
reinforcing Sullivans Island before you make that de:scent, It may be possible to put him between two fires.
But the number & convenience of procuring Boats,
the situation of his Camp and the ground contiguous,
will determine the propriety of the attempt. At any
Rate, I hope it will be in your power to assist the Musketoes in keeping his Soldiers awake in the night.
I refer you to MAr Page for politicks.
The Cqngress-the Officers-the Soldiers are to be
blamed for the loss of Canada.
The force sent thither, was not adequate, to the Reduction or defence of that Country.
The Enemy has now got possession of a Territory
that will supply their army with provision.  Our conduct there, is productive of the most extensive ill consequences. I aml in pain about N. York, & am of opinion that we have not half force there.
On the 9th inst. the Anniversary of Braddock's defeat, a day which I will always remember, we attacked
Lord Dumnuore by Sea & Land. The Ship Dunlnore
lying nearest our Battery, the first shot destroyed his
Lordships China, & spoil'd his dancing by driving a
splinter into his Leg. The second double-headed shot
cut his Boatswain asunder, and limb'cl his Gunner by
the knee. The vessels soon begun to tow off, and were




138              TIHE LEE PAPERS.
so much damaged, that the Enemy were oblig'd to
burn three of them, one of which is said to be the DuInmore. They slipt their Cables, made the best of their
way, and were drove to Sea without water, or one
Biscuit aboard, as we were inform'd by the pilots and
prisoners. They have prize flour and salt provisions
enough.
They steer'd towards the Tangier Islands. We soon
produced great Confusion in their Camp, and if we
could have procured Boats-I run mad for Boats!_Twe
could have kill'd or taken every one of the Negroes &
Tories, & possessed ourselves of all their Cannon, Arms,
& Annmmunition. We have taken three of their Tenders, & one Row Galley would have enabled us to
destroy great part of their fleet.
We have taken a Nephew of Capt. Squire's prisoner,
rescued two pretty French Gentlemen, who were taken
by Dunmore bringing in 500 barrels of powder for our
use. We have likewise in custody Tomn Jenn [ings]
late Attorney General in Maryland. HIe arrived, as he
says, at St Augustine from London, and was taken by
Lord Dunmore in his Way to Maryland.
Poor Arundel has knock'd himself in the head by
trying Experiments.  Governor Eden was in the Fleet
ready to sail for England, and.made the best of his
way in beginning the Cannonade. I offer my Colmpliments to the gentlemen with you, bee that you will get
the people of the Carolinas to establish a better Correspondence with us, and have the honor to be
Dr General
Your most obet hble Servt.
ADA3M STEPHEN.'P. S. Dunmore was building Houses, Ovens, and
Windmills in the Island —you may call them Castles in
air. Gwins Island would have been a convenient place
for Sr Peter to have mended his Breeches in.
This moment we are informed by Express that Dun.
more is arm'd in Potowmack River.




TIIE LEE PAPERS.              139
We have taken eight hundred of Fraser's highlanders at different times & places.  General Wooster
is in Philadelphia, & blames the Congress for not supporting him, as much as they can blamlle him.
N.B. There is a hellish plot discovered at NewYork.  Tryon, Davis, the Mayor of the City, and several principal persons concerined-one of Genl. Washington's Guard is already Executed for it.  Three
Commissioners sworn to Secrecy, sit daily in Exanlining & prosecuting the discovery.  Upon the arrival of
the Enemy's fleet They were to assassinate the General
and other principal Officers, blow up the Magazine,
spike the Cannon, and admit the Enemy into the City.
It is said that this Enquiry will discover many
Enemies to America in N. York, Jerseys & Pensylvania.
To General Lee,
S. Carolina.
To GENERAL ARMiSTRONG.
Charlestown July ye 14th 1776.
DEAR GENERAL,
I am extremely concerned to hear that the Virginians and North Carolina Troops are falling down in
sickness —I attribute it to three causes — being expos'd
to the Sun in the (lay time, lying on the damp ground
at night, and bad water-I have prevail'd on the Presidenlt to order'eli boards which will renledy the evil
arising from their lying on the danip ground-a quantity of rum is ordered over as an antidote to the bad
water, and the third evil that of being expos'd to the
sun, I shou'd think you may remove by stationig'em




140              THE LEE PAPERS.
in the wood on your left instead of the old field where
they at present are.
Adieu, Dear General. I shall see you to-morrow.
Yours
CHARLES LEE.
To Brigr General Armstrong.
To COLONEL GADSDEN.
Charlesto~wn, July ye 15th 1776.
DEAR COLONEL,
As it now appears almost certain [that the Enemy]
are upon their departure, I cou'd wish you wou'd apprize
your officers that it is very probable I may regale'em
with a march very soon to stretch their legs after their
long confinement.
I am Dear Colonel
Yours
CHIARLES LEE.
To Colonel Gadsden,
at Fort Johnson.
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown 15 July, 1776.
DEAR SIRn,
It now appears certain that the Tyrant's Fleet and
Army are now on their departure-Wou'd it not be
prudent immediately to order your Pilot Boat through
the Gut and Stono River to watch their motions, that
we may be ascertain'd which way they steer their
course?
Yours Dear Sir
CHARLES LEE.
To His Exc'y John Rutledge.




THE LEE PAPERS.              141
FRoiM DANIEL OF ST. THOMAS JENIFER.
Annaps July 17, 1776.
MY DEAR SIR,
I am obliged by your favor of the 7th ult~ which
only came to hand the 12th Inst. Your offences committed against the ruling powers in this Province are
done away. Governor Eden's behaviour after he went
on board the Fowey, justified in a great degree your
sentiment of his being seiz'd; but the manneer in which
you directed it to be done was not palatable, and therefore the measure was not adopted. Your Excellency
directed Purviance-Purviance of his own authority
ordered Capt. Smyth, & Capt. Nicholson ordered his
Lieut. all exercising absolute and distinct authority
from the plenitude of their own power-add to this,
Purviance's writing to the President of the Congress a
letter, taking to himself the merit of everything that
had been done in Maryland; asserting that the Council
of Safety were timid & terrified at his boldness, this
letter was read in Congress. Our Delegates demanded
a Copy of it. Mr Hancock said it was anonymous &
confidential & desired to be excus'd; this brought on
a debate, & a question, whether the letter should be
delivered or not, carried 6 Colonies to 4, that it should
be left to the Presidents option —the Lower Counties
were divided, Jerseys not represented —Our Delegates
applied to Mr Hancock out of the Ilouse, & pushed
matters so far as to become almost serious. Mr Hancock
it seems to screen his friend, had declared in the House
that the letter was anonymous; but Purviance has given
from under his hand, that it was not, and that his name
was subscribed —thereby betraying the President as he
had before done you, by delivering to the Council your
Letter, and indeed as he also had his Country by prevailing upon the Committee of observation at Baltimore
Town, to allow one or two vessels that he expected to
arrive after the 10th of Septr liberty to Lade. The




142              THE LEE PAPERS.
Country people obliged the Committee to rescind their
Order. Purviance then made use of his Interest with
his Northern friends in Congress, but failed. All these
things being known and accumulated of course raised
the resentment, not only of those who were in power.
but of those who were out. The first insult the Council
of Safety received, was from the Committee of Virginia
who wrote about this busyness to the Committee of
Baltimore, which shew'd an Evident & unjust want of
confidence, for although those in power had nothing
more at heart than a reconciliation & restoration of
peace with Great Britain, yet they were doing every
thing in their power to be provided against the worst,
and have so far succeeded, as not only to supply in a
great measure their own wants, but to supply the
Congress with some valuable articles. We have had
within two months past three Vessels from the W.
Indias with 6000-8000 &  190001b of Gunpowder,
6000'b of Sulphur Lead & besides 170001b powder  &
60001b sulphur for our friends of Virga  We have at
present about 70,0001b of powder in our different magazines & Hourly expect 55,000 more, & 150)00 stand
of arms wch our agents were shipping off for us. These
[wise] provisions tho' never published to the world
have attached the people of the Province to the Council
of Safety, so far as to dispense with a Law respecting
power, that half of the Council should go out at the
meeting of every Convention, and as many new ones to
be chosen in their stead; have continued them with a
Cart blanch, notwithstanding the unprecedented appeal
made by the Convention of Virginia to the people at
large in Maryland against them. But you may Sir,
depend upon it, that the people of Maryland, tho' the
last on the Continent to declare independence will go
as far as any Colony towards the general defence of the
United States. Peace would have been their choice,
but as that could not be had consistent with their safety
they will risque every thing before they will submit.
I will now give you a specimen that does honor to




THE LEE PAPERS.             143
M3aryland. The Congress have desired that we should
raise, embody, and send to Jersey 3400 of our militia.
We have agreed to do it, & commnissioned Brigadier
Dent and other officers. But as it must take up time
to arm &  equip the men, we have dispatched ColP
Smallwood with his Battalion and three independt
Companies, the whole about 1000 men, well armed disciplined and equipped, and I think are equal if not
superior to any Troops on the Continent. We shall
replace them out of the men to be raised for the flying
Camp, in the meantime we have called out part of our
militia to take the stations of the Battalion & independt
Companies, and this we have done at a time when our
Province was invaded by Ld. Dunmore with four men
of war, upwards of 60 Sail of Vessels, and when too we
had an Insurrection in Somerset County to quell.
From the facts above related your Excellency will perceive that Awe have not been idle. I am still of opinion
that it is our Interest to be united with Britain and
that our Province instructed its Delegates to agree to
unite with the other Colys in declaring independence too
soon. These opinions I know you will reprobate.  It
is better that the people at large should be before their
Rulers than their Rulers to be before thetm; in the first
instance you are sure to be supported, in the last you
run the risque of being deserted.
Lord Dunmore has pitched his Camp upon St
Georges Island about 15 Miles up Potomack River,
where I think he will not long remain. The ship he
was on board at Gwinns Island was much shattered, 14
shot all 18 Pounders hulled her and passed through the
Cabbin very near his Lordship.
I congratulate your Excellency on your Success at
Charles'rown. Adieu, God protect you, & believe me
to be, Dear Sir,
Your affecte Friend
DANIEL OF ST THO' JENIFER.
Be pleased to present my Compliments to the




144              THE LEE PAPERS.
President & his Lady, to Mr Eugee & his, & to Mr.
Middleton
Men of War with Ld Dunmore, Roebuck, Lively,
Fowey, Otter, Dunmore, & many Tenders from 12 to 4
Guns. The Mate of the Roebuck was killed in a skirmish with our Militia.
To ARCHIBALD BULLOCK.
Charlestown, July ye 18th 1776.
SIR,
I feel most sensibly for the distress'd situation of
your Province, and am determin'd to exert myself for
its relief — I wish I had it in my power to spare you a
larger force than I am afraid our present numbers will
admit of, but the instant we are assur'd the Enemy will
depart, I will order a Battalion or a number equal to
a Battalion for Savannah-these added to your own,
will I hope be sufficient to protect the Inhabitants from
insult and prevent your cattle from falling into the
hands of these hell hounds let loose by an accurs'd Tyrant on a people whose only crime is having been too
long patient with his diabolical administration. —Two
expedients are now on foot-one from this Province
against the lower Cherokees, another against the Overhill Cherokees from Virginia —I flatter myself that
these two active operations will be a greater Security to
Georgia than cou'd the largest defensive Body —if the
Enemy steer southward, I shall myself march for your
Province with all the force I can muster —but I must
regulate my motions by theirs.
I most sincerely wish to your Province security and
prosperity, & to yourself health & happiness, and am
Sir
Your most Obedient Servant
CHIARLES LEE.
His Excellency Arch' Bullock.
President, &c of Georgia.




THE LEE PAPERS.               145
To COLONEL MCINTOSH.
Charlestown, July 18th 1776.
DEAR SIR,
As Colonel Elbert can inform you of the situation
of our affairs here I shall not trouble you on the subject be assured that I will do everything in my power
for the security and tranquility of your Province-The
Enemy I believe is now on its departure —The moment
I am assured that they will leave the place, a Battalion
or a number equal to a Battalion shall march to Savannah-If there appears any probability that the intentions of this army are against Georgia, I will repair
thither with all the force I can muster.
I am Dear Sir,
Your most obt Servant
CHARLES LEE
To Colonel McIntosh
Savannah, Georgia.
To LIEUT. WILLIA.M T. COLES.
Charlestown July ye 18th 1776.
SIR,
It is not only a Duty I owe to the Service and the
Station I am in, but also to the character of officers in
general, to bring this affair (in which you are accus'd
of being the principal actor) to a tryal immediately —
I have ordered a Court Martial accordingly to assemble
tomorrow —I sincerely wish you may acquit yourself,
but as the Tryal is to be so immediately I cannot consent to your appearing in Public'till it is over, and am
Sir,
Your most obt Servant
CHARLES LEE.
William Temple Coles,
of Col. Poke's Regiment.
VOL. II.-10




146               THE LEE PAPERS.
To RICHARD HENRY LEE.
Chbarles-town, July 19pth, 1 776.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
I have received yours, of the 28th of May, and did
not think it possible that any thing could come from
your hand to give me so disagreeable sensations.  You
tell me a dark, mysterious story of a certain great General of whom prince Ferdinand has declared, si I'on vueet
un qoicier', &c. this great General in the clouds, will, it
seems, graciously condescend to serve America, on condition that Congress will give him assurances of stepping over the heads of every officer but one, and this
he submits to, only on consideration of the confidence
due to an American.  You ask my opinion on this subject; but the palpable meaning of your letter is, to
prepare me for a cession of my rank in favour of some
impudent adventurer.  Beckwith is the nlan, as you
conjecture, from his known political principles and military abilities, which are so transcendent, that I ought
for the public interest to make a second sacrifice. I
am not, I believe, naturally proud; I do not think myself conceited of my talents; but to be put in conmpetition, nmuch mor'e to be spurned aside, to make room for
so despicable a character as Beckwith, a generally reputed coward, (and a'b —d sycophant,) I say, to be
kicked out of my station for such a creature as this,
would swell a man more humble than myself into a
trumpeter of his own merits.  Great God! is it come
to this? I am  not, it seems, an American; but am I
not, (if I may so express myself,) Amnericanio~r ip)sis
Amnericanis?  Have I not, such has been my zeal for
your cause, once already waived my military claims in
deference to the whim and partiality of some of your
members?  Did I not consent to serve under an old
church-warden, of whom you had conceived a most extravagant and ridiculous opinion?  Your eyes were
at length opened, and deacon Ward returned to his




THE LEE PAPERS.               147
proper occupation; and would you now a second
time, (do you think it consistent with decency, I may
say, gratitude or common honesty) to load me a second time with a similar disgrace? Have I betrayed
any ignorance in my profession?  Have I shewn a deficiency in courage? Arn I slackened in my zeal or
industry? What have I clone to merit such an indignity?  What part of my conduct can justify your harbouring such an idea? Have not I staked my fortune,
life, and reputation in your cause? Is there a service
in Europe to speak proudly, (your injurious proposal
forces me to it,) is there a service in Europe, where with
some small reputation, and my powerful friends, I might
not expect the same rank I now hold? HTave I not made
myself a voluntary slave for the insurances of Anierican freedom?  Have I, sleeping or waking, employed
a single thought, but for her welfare, glory or advantage?  But enough of this —You ask my opinion, and I
will freely, explicitly, and concisely give it to you. If
the Congress supercede me, I will, I must obey; but, I
hope, in common justice, and for their own honour that,
they will re-establish me, at least in part, in the easy
fortune which I have forfeited, so as to enable me to
retire from a service to which I amn no longer thought
adequate.  Before I conclude, let me once more repeat
confidentially to you, that if Beckwith is the manl, in
vwhose favour you meditate so gross a piece of injustice, you will make a very bad bargain, as he is certainly, unless fame belies him, neither possessed of
courage, abilities, or integrity.
In God's name, it a real genius, or acknowledged hero,
favoured by Heaven with a more than common portion
of etherial spirit, should present himself, (a la a  ilippe,
or _Bjc'ayancsa,) receive him with open arms, as an immediate present from God; invest him with the command of the whole.  No man loves, respects, and reverences another more than I do General Washington.
I esteem his virtues, private and public. I know him
to be a man of sense, courage, and firmness, but if a




148              THE LEE PAPERS.
hero should start up, endowed with the attributes,
which, according to my persuasion reside in the two I
have mentioned, and who would charge himself with
the mighty task of your political salvation, General
Washington ought, and, I am convinced, would resign
the truncheon; but that a little, paltry, impudent adventurer should sneakingly stipulate for the second
rank, when, if his motives were pure, he could be
equally serviceable in the third, fourth, fifth, or sixth;
it is not to be endured, it is a gross imposition on common understanding, and a grosser attempt to rob an individual. I lmust beg and conjure you, my dear friend,
for such I am sure you are, to consider the delicate, perhaps, you will say, false notions in which soldiers are
bred; and that you will be careful of putting to so severe a trial the sensibility of one, who is most sincerely, devotedly, and affectionately, Yours,
CHARLES LEE.
To Richard Henry Lee, Esq.
P. S. I am extremely shocked with the pallid complexion of your public councils; is it possible that such
a despicable group as the Maryland Convention should
lay an embargo on the great vessel of the commonwealth! Call you be so weak as to hunt for the chimeera, absolute unanimity! Why do you not advise
the aggregate of the people to enfranchise themselves?
Your idea of quitting Canada from want of specie is to
me inconceivable, when you can or ought to command
plate sufficient to purchase ten Canadas.
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown, July ye 19th, 1776.
DEAR SIR,
When I requested you to collect a number of boats
for the transportation of Troops to the Islands it was




THE LEE PAPERS.              149
my intention to transport the greatest force I cou'd possibly muster, to take the command in person, and endeavor to bring the Enemy to a battle; had we been
victorious, there would have been an end of all their
Southern operations, had we been defeated, it is true
the loss, wou'd have been great, but not irreparable:
upon the whole, ballancing the important consequences
of victory and the disadvantages of a defeat, I shou'd
have been justifiable in riskingc a general action-but the
number of boats collected wou'd never have anlswer'd
this purpose-They would contain at the utmost only
twelve hundred men, a body too small to be detach'd
on such an errand, in fact Islands present such manifold
advantages to the enemy over us that we must never
venture on'em mwithout an insurance or great probability of a compleat victory, because if defeated we have
no possibility of retreat —As the Post on Long Island
and all Schemes of attack are now endedl, I only mention these things to explain the motives of my putting
you to the trouble of collecting the Boats, the whole
may be now undoubtedly returned.
Captain Hatter tells me that in this fleet of Craft
there is one wooden boat belonging to Major Capers
which might with little alteration be converted into an
excellent Galley as Awe all agree a fleet of Gallies may
be of the greatest use, and that it should be established
without loss of time, I should think that every boat
which with little trouble can be thrown into that form
ought to be purchased.
I am Dear Sir, Yours,
CHARLEs LEE.
To His Excellency John Rutledge
I wish you would turn your thoughts to the defence
of Georgia, and what Regiment can best be spared from
your Province for that purpose.




150              THE LEE PAPERS.
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown 20th July, 1776.
DEAR SIR,
I received your Letter with respect to the Boats
yesterday very late —in consequence of this letter, I desired Mr flatter to defer returning the boats till this day.
I should otherwise have discharged'ema —for my own
part I did not know that they cou'd be of any use in
transporting the Troops to Georgia —the Baron &  I
shall tomorrow lay out the works we intend for Sullivan's Island. Your Excellency will take care that they
are finished —I have not your Constitution with regard
to the Military-am a Stranger to the extent of mly
authority over the Colonial Troops; but had I an unlimited Authority I should request your Excellency to
settle which of your Regiments may with the greatest
conveniency march to Georgia —I should think Thompsons and Sumpters are the best calculated —they will
together make about the strength of a Battalion —the
Continental Regiment may probably be called to the
Northward.
I am D)ear Sir, Yours,
CHARLES LEE.
To His Excellency the President.
P. S. Not a moment should be lost in preparing this
Corps for Georgia.
To EDMiUND PENDLETON.
Charlestown July ye 20th 1776.
S1B,
The Enemy's Fleet and Army are certainly on their
departure from this place —the Commodore's Ship has
repass'd the Bar, the whole Troops are re-imbark'd; it




THE LEE PAPERS.             151
is impossible to say where they intend to direct their
course-I am inclin'd to think your Province will be
the next scene of their operations, for which reason Sir,
I think it my duty to put you on your Guard, that you
may be prepar'd for their reception —the moment I am
ascertain'd of their designs I shall set out to assist in
counteracting'em.
I am Sir,
Your most obt Servt
CHARLES LEE.
To the Hono Edm' Pendleton,
President of the Convention of Virginia.
[A copy of this letter was at the same time forwarded to General Lewis.]
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown, July the 20th 1776.
DEAR SIR,
As the expedition from Virginia against the Overhill
Cherokees, and your expedition against the lower nation,
have, I apprehend some relation or dependance on each
other what shall I say on the subject in my letter to
the Convention?  Shou'd I not give'em as minute a
detail as possible of the Army now ready to march?
Of their numbers, condition and the time when it may
be expected they will be in the Enemy's Country?
And am Dear Sir,
Yours
CHARLES LEE.
To His Excellency John Rutledge.




11 52             THE LEE PAPERS.
To EIDMUND PENDLETON.
Charlestown, July 20th, 1776.
SI1,
I think it my duty to apprize you that the Enemy's
Fleet and Army are now, in all human probability on
their departure from this Coast; their Troops are all reimbarked; the Comumodore's Ship andl the Solebay have
re-passed the Bar, the Experiment and five other ships
alone remain on this side but are preparing to pass the
next tide —it is impossible to say where they will bend
their course —but I am myself inclin'd to think Virginia
will be the scene of their operations —-the deserters indeed assert that it is their intention to proceed to NeAw
York; but it appears to me from Lord George Germaine's intercepted letter, that General Clinton is restricted to these Southern Colonies —perhaps they may
try Georgia, the weakness of which Colony and the expectation of a powerful co-operation on the part of their
Indian Allies may allure them; but on the other hand,
the distress'd situation of their Fleet and Army, from
the want of good water, fresh provisions and vegetables
will make the temptation of the Table which Lord Dunmore, I understand, has spread for'em on Guyn's Island,
irresistable —upon the whole, I must repeat that I am
perswaded Virginia will be their object-I hope and
and make no doubt, Sir, that you will be prepared for
their reception.
I think it necessary for the common service to inform
you, Sir, that a Corps of at least fifteen hundred men
will be assembled on the Cherokee line in less than
three weeks from the present date; this number is supposed to be adequate to the end proposed; that is, the
destruction of the Crops of the lower Nation and of
course striking a necessary terror into the minds of
other Nations.  I mention this, as I apprehend the expedition projected against the Overhill Cherokees from
your Province, may have some dependence on the ma



ThIE LEE PAPERS.             153
nceuvres of the Caroliners against the lower Nation, but
altho' being ignorant of the Geography and circumlstances of the Country, I speak in the dark, with regard to
the relation which one expedition may have with the
other, the informing you of the number of the Carolina
Corps and the time they may be expected to enter the
Enemy's Country can be of no service.
As soon as I can be ascertain'd of the Enemy's designs, I shall set out for the point of action in hopes to
render all the service in my power to the place attack'd
as well as the commluon cause.
I am Sir, with the greatest respect
Your most obedt humble Servant
CHARLEs  LEE.
To The Hon. Edmund Pendleton,
President of the Convention of Virginia.
To CAPTAIN HATTER.
Charlestown, July 21st 1776.
SIn,
I never was so astonish'd in my life as at your
strange proceeding in sending an officer of the Enemy
through the Country without apprizing General Armstrong who commanded the nearest post-not only sending him thro' the Country but into the heart of the
Town —to examine our weakness and make a report to
the General accordingly. Your Conduct once more
I must repeat astonishes me to the last degree.
CHARLES LEE.




154              THE LEE PAPERS.
FRO3I THE PRESIDENT OF' CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, July 22, 17763.
SIR:
Your favour of the 2d instant, containing the very
agreeable intelligence of the success of the American
Army under your command, I had the honour of receiving, and immediately laid the same before Congress.
It affords me the greatest pleasure to convey to
you, by their order, the most valuable tribute wxhich a
free people can ever bestow, or a generous mind wish
to receive-the just tribute of gratitude for rendering
important services to an oppressed country.
The same enlarged mind and distinguished ardour
in the cause of freedom, that taught you to despise the
prejudices which have enslaved the bulk of manklind,
when you nobly undertook the defence of American
liberty, will entitle you to receive from posterity the
fame due to such exalted and disinterested conduct.
That a handful of men, without the advantage of
military experience, animated only with the sacred love
of liberty, should repulse a powerful fleet and army,
are circumstances that must excite gratitude and wonder in the friends of America, and prove a source of
the most mortifying disappointment to our enemies.
Accept, therefore, Sir, the thanks of the Independent
States of America, unanimously declared by their Delegates to be due to you and the brave Officers and Troops
under your command, who repulsed with so much valour
the attack that was made on the State of South Carolina, on the 28th of June, by the Fleet and Army of
his Britannick Majesty, and be pleased to communicate
to them. this distinguished mark of the approbation of
their country.
I have the honour, to be, with great respect, Sir,
Your most obedient and very humble Servant
Joirk  HANCOCK, President.
To Major General Lee,
Charleston, S. C.




THE LEE PAPERS.               155
LEclosecl in the jprece(ling lett6r.]
In Congress, July 20th 1776.
RESOLVED,
That the Thanks of the United States of America,
be Given to Major General Lee, Colonel William
Moultrie, Colonel William Thompson, and the Officers
and Soldiers, under their Command, who on the 28th
June last Repulsed with so much Valour the Attack,
which was that day made on the State of South Carolina by the Fleet and Army of his Britannic Majesty
That Mr President Transmit the foregoing Resolution to General Lee, Colonel Moultrie and Colonel
Thompson.           By Order of Congress
JOHN HANCOC(K, Prest
FRoMr SIm HENRY CLINTON.
Off Charles-Town Bar, July 22, 1776.
SIn,
On my return to the fleet, I found a letter from
you by a flag of truce, with some refreshments you
were pleased to send me, in return for which I must
beg your acceptance of a cask of porter, and some
English cheese.
I have made enquiries concerning the person mentionecl in your letter, who, it seems, has occasioned this
correspondence between us, but can learn nothing further about him, than that he is not a master of a vessel,
as he has represented himself to you::iid you will
have been already informed by Mr. Byrd that Ethan
Allen, and those that were with them, are gone to the
Northward.    I am, Sir,
Your most humble servant,
H. CLINTON.
To Charles Lee, Esq. Major General
in the service of his Polish Majesty.




153a             TIHE LEE PAPERS.
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown ye 22nd July 1776.
DEAR SIR,
I am much concern'd and not a little surprised that
the Council shou'd object to sending their Troops, when
requir'd for the common defence, to a neighboring
Province-is it reasonable? is it just that the other
Colonies shou'd be oblig'd to march to their assistance,
and refuse in their turn to assist others? I have long
wish'd and wish now more ardently than ever that the
Continental Congress wou'd suffer no Colonial Troops
to exist I must now, Sir, request in my capacity as
General appointed by Congress to watch over the Safety
of the Southern District, that you will order a number
of your Troops ecqual to a compleat Battalion to march
immediately to Savanna for the defence of Georgiaif the Council cannot comply with this requisition I
should be glad to be inforim'd of the reasons that I may
lay'em before Congress, and be able to exculpate myself if any calamities fall upon that, at present, defenceless country.
I am, Dear Sir, Yours,
CHARLES LEE.
P. S. The Inhabitants of this Town begin or rather
continue to fleece the Army most unmercifully-Six
pounds one & threepence is demanded for burying a
Soldier of Muhlenberg's.  I beg your Excellency will
correct these abuses.
To His Excellency John Rutledge.




THE LEE PAPERS.                157
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown, July 23rd 1776.
DEAR SIR,
I have this instant received your Excellency's letter
with the opinion of the Council on the subject of detaching a number equal to a Battalion of the Colonial
Troops into Georgia, and hope I shall not be thought
rude in confessing, that I do not see the least weight
in any one of their arguments; but that on the contrary, they furnish substantial reasons for once more
urging the requisition.
That Charlestown and its harbour are capital objects in the eye of the Enemy, and that their security
against the attempts of the enemy, is of the highest importance, is a truth, I believe no man will contradict;
a truth of which not only the Council here are sensible
of, but the whole Continent:  The Convention of Virginia, the Council of North Carolina were so sensible
of it, that without the least opposition, they saw themselves stripped of a considerable part of their force to
defeat the Enemies designs against Charlestown and its
harbour; Virginia actually sent out a large Corps of
Militia in order to enable North Carolina to spare a
greater number of her regulars to the assistance of
South Carolina.
That the two Forts rais'd (at so great an expense)
require a constant Garrison (at least as strong a Garrison as now station'd in them) I certainly shall not
deny, nor have I given the Council the least reason to
think that I have an intention to diminish them.
You say, Sir, that when necessity requires it you
shall be ready to assist Georgia with the greatest alacrity.  The Georgians tell us that this time of necessity
is come. They cry out for assistance.
But it is said, that the Continental Troops ought to
be detach'd to Georgia in preference to the Colonial
rroops; that it is a matter totally immaterial to them,




158               THE LEE PAPERS.
whether They are in Georgia or in this Province, as
long as they are remov'd from the spot where they have
been raisedl, that it will be a greater satisfaction to the.
Inhabitants that their own People shou'd be amongst'enl than the Continental Troops, and finally, that it is
natural to suppose, that your own people in the day of
battle, will act with more ardor as they fight in the
presence of their wives & children.
To these arguments I shall beg leave to answer, that
every point is material or ilmmaterial according to the
way of thinking of the party concerned —That the Continental Troops do think marching to Georgia at present a point material —consequently it is so; They conceive it but just and reasonable after having marched
so great a distance for your safety, that your people
should take their tour of fatigue and they in their tu'rn
be indulg'd with some repose.
As to the satisfaction it will give the Inhabitants,
I shall not dispute it, but I do not see why the satisfaction of the Inhabitants of your Province should be
consulted in these cases more than the satisfaction of
the other Provinces —the North Carolina officers and
those of the Virginia Regiment receive Letters every
day from their friends and Relations expressing their
hopes and impatience for their return —Do you believe,
Sir, that it wou'd give satisfaction to those friends and
relations of theirs to hear of their further removal? on
the contrary, might it not possibly give them great uneasiness and umbrage? in short, Sir, if I was to act
on the principle of giving satisfaction to the inhabitants of any one Province partially, the great system of
general defence must be broke to pieces.
I must lastly take the liberty to observe that the
idea of soldiers acting with more valour at their own
doors is repugnant to facts drawn from history and
common observation, resplectu s8muarucnm  rerrM,  eru(mn
commwnium obliviscuntrr, is a trite adage in every military man's mouth —the attention of the soldier is
drawn off from the voice of the Officer by the cry of a




THE LEE PAPERS.              159
hog or a scream  of a hell from  his own hamlet; in
short, nothing is more certain than that Soldiers are
more Soldiers in every respect the further they are remov'd from their homes.
You remind me, Sir, that an Indian War is breaking out, but you must recollect that in our conversations on this subject, you have always given ine assurances that your Frontiers wou'd furnish more men
than sufficient for this purpose —nor can I see that the
detaching a Battalion intoi Georgia, can in the least
tend to incapacitate you for this War.
The Council, Sir, observe with concern and surprise,
that I shou'd mention it as a thing probable that the
Continental troops may move Northward-and at the
same time detach to a distance a number equal to a
Battalion of your Colonial Troops, even whilst the Enemy are in view —You may be assured, Sir, that my
duty to the public, my particular regard for this Province, or my own reputation, will not suffer me hastily
to adopt any measure which may leave an open to the
Enemy for possessing themselves of so rich a prize-I
never harbour'd a thought of running blindfold after
them  with the whole Troops at my heels-When I
leave this place I shall endeavour to leave it in a posture of security as far as miy means will admit.
Your Excellency may recollect that this method of
assisting and sending to the Province attack'd, from its
immediate Neighbor, is literally agreeable to fyour own
plan, and I am doubly concern'd therefore Awhen your
Province is call'd upon for this purpose that the measure shou'd meet with any opposition.
Upon the whole, Sir, when I consider the defenceless state of Georgia, when assistance is so loudly and
pathetically call'cl for by the Governor Council and
People, I think that both duty and humanity oblige us
to grant it.
I think that in reason, justice, and policy this succour
ought to consist of the Colonial Troops and not of the
Continental, and I once more earnestly request your




160              THE LEE PAPERS.
Excellency and the Council to order a Body equal to a
Battalion in number to march immediately to Georgia.
I am much flatter'd with the good opinion the
Council entertain of my abilities and shall labour to
deserve it, and am Dr Sir,
Yours
CIIARLES LEE.
To His Excellency John Rutledge.
To COLONEL HUGER.
Charlestown, July ye 23rd 8 oclock.
SIR,
The bare possibility of the Enemy's making an
attempt on Port Royal is a sufficient reason for moving
a respectable force towards that quarter-As I have
not only a great opinion of your capacity, but of your
zeal for the public Service, I am perswaded you will
accept this command with alacrity and pleasure I
must request therefore that you will prepare your
Regiment to march as early as possible tomorrow —
three hundred militia shall be added to your command,
and a corps of Rifle Men as soon as they can be procur'd
-If it appears a certainty that the Enemy have really
a design on that district, I will myself follow with the
Major part of the Army
I am Sir. Yours
CHARLES LEE.
Colonel Huger.
P. S. Order the Waggon Master to prepare Waggons sufficient.




THE LEE PAPERS.              161
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown 23rd July I past
Ten o'clock —Night.
DEAR SIR,
I'was already apprised of Colonel Bull's rank and
merit, but cannot conceive that any officer of merit
shou'd be disgusted by being superceded in command
when there is visibly no intention to disgrace' him-it
must frequently happen in the course of service that
men of the greatest merit must be superceded by men of
very moderate reputations-at present this is certainly
not the case —if such a false delicacy or sophisticated
notion of honor really exists, the sooner it is eradicated
the better-its existence wou'd throw everything into
confusion —-Colonel Bull, if he is the man of sense and
zeal for the public as he is represented, cannot possibly
be disgusted by such a common incident —I therefore
see no reason or shadow of reason for altering my mind
on this subject, and must entreat your Excellency to
take the necessary measures for expediting the march
of Colonel Huger and the corps propos'd, and am Dear
Sir
Your most obedient
CHARLES LEE.
His Excellency Jno. Rutledge.
FRoM BENJAMIN RUSH.
I)EAR GENERAL,
It would take a Volume to tell you how  many
clever things were said of you, and the brave Troops
under your command after hearing of your late victory.
It has given a wonderful turn to our affairs —The loss
of Canada had sunk the spirits of many people who
VOL. II-11




162              THE LEE PAPERS.
now begin to think our cause is not desperate, & that
we shall yet triumph over our enemies.
The declaration of independence has produced a
new sera in this part of America. The Militia of Pennsylvania seem to be actuated with a spirit more than
Roman. Near 2000 citizens of Philada have lately
marched towards [New-York in order to prevent an incursion being made by our enemies upon the state of
New-Jersey —The cry of them all is for BATTLE. I think
Mr Howe will not be able to get a footing in iNewYork, and that he will end the present or begin the
next campaign in Canada, or in some one of the
Southern Colonies —the only places in which America
is vulnerable. We depend upon Gates in the North, &
you0 oblige us to hope for great things from the South.
The tories are quiet but very surly. Lord Howes
proclamation leaves them not a single filament of their
cobweb doctrine of reconciliation. The spirit of liberty
reigns triumphant in Pennsylvania. The Proprietary
gentry have retired to their Country Seats, and honest
men have taken the Seats they abused so much in the
governmnent of our State.
The papers will inform  you that I have been thrust
into Congress. I find there is a great deal of difference
between sporting a sentiment in a Letter or over a glass
of wine upon politicks, & discharging properly the duty
of a Senator.  I feel myself unequal to every part
of my new Situation except where plain integrity is required.
My former letters to you may pass hereafter for a
leaf of the Sybills. They are full of predictions, and
what is still more uncommon —some of them have
proved true. I shall go on —and add that that I think
the Declaration of independence  will produce union
and new exertions in England in the same ratio that
they have done in this country. The present Camlpaign
I believe is only designed to train us for the Duties of
next Summer. What do you think of the States of
America being divided between two or three foreign




TELE LEE PAPERS.            163
States & of seeing the Armies of two or three of the
most powerful Nations in Europe upon our Coasts?
Adieu, Yours Sincerely
B. RUSH.
Phila July 23d 1776.
P.S. I sent a copy of that part of your letter in
which you commend Mr Morris so highly to his father.
My Complt' to the gallant youth.
Major General Lee,
Charlestown, So Carolina.
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown, July ye 24th 1776.
DEAR SIR,
I have receiv'd two letters from Mr Bullock, one of
which alone I have kept-inclosed is an extract from it
-the other of a later date is much more urgent-I am
sorry that the Council requires such formal evidence.
I was in hopes my word wou'd have been sufficientCol. MCIntosh has press'd me most pathetically in two
letters not to delay a moment in sending some Force to
their Province. The Gentlemen who were here were
eternally urging the necessity —in truth, Georgia is in a
most lamentable state of weakness and impotence, and
I hope that your Excellency and Council will take the
measures which appear to me as well as to all others
with whom I have convers'd necessary at this junctureI am Dear Sir,
Your most obt
CHARLES LEE.
To His Excellency John Rutledge.




16-4             THE LEE PAPERS.
To CORNELIUS HARNET.
Charlestown July ye 24th 1776.
SIn,
I intreat you will present my respects to the Council
of Safety, and that I think myself extreamly happy in
having obtain'd their good opinion-I shall. labour to
deserve it —I am, if possible, more concerned than you
can be, that your light horse Companies are not put on
the Continental establishment —-They are a species of
Troops more than usefull, they are in my opinion a si ne
qua'non, particularly in these Southern Colonies-I
have in all my letters to Congress urged the necessity of
being furnish'd with a considerable Body of cavalry —
I have even ventur'd to insure the safety and protection
of my wide extensive Command, had I only a thousand
good cavalry at my disposal; I have dwelt much on the
extreme difficulty of securing ourselves from insult and
danger without them; but I know not how it happens,
the Congress has never made the least reply on the subject-to say the truth, unless a War office is establish'd,
or a particular Committee appointed to superintend and
regulate all military matters abstracted from all other
business our military affairs will hobble on in but a
slovenly manner-however, I have wrote so strongly
and repeatedly on this topick that I am in hopes to force
their attention at last. I shall not cease dinning it in
their ears.
Nothing gives me greater pain than the wretch'd
condition your Troops are in from want of cloaths-will
it not be possible to collect in the Province a sufficient
quantity of woollen to protect'em in some degree from
the injuries of the weather?  I sincerely wish you may
be able to make such a provision —I do not mean to
flatter, but upon my honor they are deserving of the
greatest attention-such at least I am sure, they are entitled to, from, Sir, Your most Obedt humble Servant
CHARLES LEE.
To Cornelius Harnet, Esq.
TPresident of the Council of Safety of North Carolina.




THE LEE PAPERS.             165
ORDERS TO COLONEL POKE.
Charlestown July 25th 1770.
SIR,
You are to march from hence with that part of
your Regiment now under your Command to the other
side of the Boundary line, where you are to station
yourself in the manner the most convenient either to
prevent the enemy making predatory incursions into the
Country by way of the various Inlets; or to cut off
their communication and correspondence with the disaffected inhabitants residing in that Tract of Country
from Little River Inlet to Fort Johnson.
You: are to apprize General Moore of your instructions and situation and receive whatever further orders
that officer pleases to issue. I am Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
CHARLES LEE.
To Colonel Poke, of the
4th Regt of North Carolina Troops.
To COLONEL BULL.
Charlestown, 25th July 1776.
SIR,
The great importance of Port Royal made it very
probable that the enemy wou'd make some attempts
upon it-I therefore thought it expedient to detach
Colonel Huger with the remains of his Regiment and
three hundred militia to defeat any attempt of this
kind —Colonel Huger is since Countermanded, but the
Militia march under the command of Colonel Kershaw
and will put themselves under your orders —the reason
of Colonel Huger's being countermanded is a very
whimsical one in my opinion-it is entirely against my
own inclination, and I have so good an opinion of your




166              THE LEE PAPERS.
zeal and understanding that I am perswaded you will
yourself (tho' chiefly interested) disapprove of the principle on which Colonel Huger is prevented from pro.
ceeding.
It was urged by the Governor and Council that you
wou'd resent being superceded —to which I reply'd
(and I hope justly) that Colonel Bull was represented
to me as a man of too much sense and public spirit to
take amiss an incident that must daily fall out in the
course of service —that it was impossible he cou'd entertain so sophisticated a notion of honor and false delicacy —that if such notions really did exist, the sooner
they were eradicated the better —that if such a way of
thinking became fashionable an embargo wou'd be laid
on all service; that I protested against the principle,
and dreaded the consequences of establishing the precedent; however, I suffer'd myself to be overborne, and
think I ought to make some apologies to you, Sir, for a
step which may imply a perswasion that you cou'd possibly harbour such narrow ideas as to think yourself
disgrac'd by an incident inevitable in the course of service, as I have really the highest respect for your character and good qualities, and am sir, most sincerely
Your most obt humble Servant
CHARLES LEE.
To Colonel Bull.
FROM JoHN DICKINSON
MY DEAR GENERAL,
I receive with pleasure every mark of your Friendship, and none with more, than when you freely communicate to me your Disapprobation of any part of my
conduct. As long as you give me that proof of a sincere esteem for me, so long I shall most affectionately
love you; and so highly do I value your Esteem, that
if my frailties did not furnish sufficient opportunities to




THE LEE PAPERS.              l 67
evidence your Esteem  in that manner, I should be
almost tempted voluntarily to err, that I might receive
repeated Testimonies of so agreeable a Truth. I entertaiu as much veneration for your abilities and integrity,
as it is possible for man to do; and yet, for my soul, I
cannot agree with you, that a Declacration of Inclependence at this time, will promote the happiness of my
Country. I have tried, I have toil'd to thrust the Belief
of the Proposition into my Mind. I have represented
to myself, that you and several other good and sensible
men think it as clear as any axiom in Euclid-that my
Reputation, at least my Popularity must inevitably be
sacrific'd by my obstinate Heresy —yet I have so much
of the spirit of martyrdom in me that I have been conscientiously compelled to endure in my political capacity, the Fires & Faggots of Persecution, rather than
resign my impious Persuation. To add to my comfort,
this Reflection occurs, when I consider the weight that
is due to the sentiments of some of those who differ
from me in opinion, that perhaps I am suffering for
a most absolute Falsity. However, while I think as I
do, the Falsity is sacred to me, and I dread nothing
more than offering violence to my Integrity.  "' 2ea
me virtate involvo " —and I am sure this Virtue ought
to be a very warm thick Cloak, for I am a Witness, that
it brings many storms and hard blows upon us poor
mortals. —Among the rest, and here, my dear Friend, I
am serious —that it has deprived me of the little power
I once possest, that now might be exalted in your Service, our Convention, since I have been in this place
with my Battalion, have left me out of the new Delegation. But your right to obtain from Congress the satisfaction you mention is so manifest, that I have not the
least doubt but they will immediately order the money
to be paid. I have wrote on the subject to a particular
friend of mine, who is a Delegate and a man of abilities, which I am convinced he will exert in your Cause.
I most heartily wish you success in that Business, and
in every other that can give you pleasure. I congratu



168              THE LEE PAPERS.
late you on the Success in Carolina. Do crush the
Enemies of Liberty to the Southward so effectually and
quickly, that I may have the Pleasure of serving under
you this Summer. Lord Howe and his Brother are
now on Staten Island —Their Quarters are about five or
six miles from this Place, at least the Generals are —
Their advanc'd Posts about half a mile from ours-the
Sound between- our Militia to the number of 22 hundred stationed along it-General Mercer commandsWe are to be reinforced, and are preparing Boats &c to
make a descent on the Island, all over which the Enemies are spread-their numbers said to be between 8
& 10 thousand-A smash upon them, before the rest of
the Fleet arrives, may render their Efforts against New
York, less effectual. I wish you were here to direct
our operations in this affair-As far as I can judge, a
good deal of Generalship will be necessary for giving
success to the measure-the Island being much intersected by streams & morasses, besides the Sound that
surirounds it, in the narrowest places twenty perches
broad. May Heaven bless you, my dear Sir, is the Sincere Prayer of your ever affectionate,
JOHN DICKINSON.
Elizabeth Town in Jersey
July 25th 1776.
FROM COLONEL MCINTOSH.
SIR,
I was honor'd with your Excellency's Letter of the
18th Inst, by Col. Elbert, & well pleased that you had
the Safety of this Colony so much at heart.
I send Lieut. Seixias of our Battalion Express to
inform your Excelly. that I am just told by a Gentleman come up the River, that he saw a Fifty Gun Ship
yesterday afternoon sailing over our Barr into the




TIM LEE PAPERS.              169
River, where four other Ships,Lay at Anchor, and five
other Ships under sail outside, which fir'd several
Guns, & are probably in by this time. This I thought.proper to give your ExcellY. the earliest intelligence
of, as I imagine those gentry will- not be guilty a second
time of the same delay as in Carolina, or allow us to
prepare for them or your ExcellY. to meet here again.
I have not any doubt myself but this is the fleet from
Charlestown. I ever was of opinion they could not
in Honor go away without attempting some thing, and
no place so probable as Georgia. I will continually inform you of the movements of tihe Enemy, and if we
should not see your Excellency here soon, which I hope
will not be the case, I shall be glad of your orders.
I have the Honor to be your Excellys
most obt. Hble Servant,
LACHN MCINTOSH.
Savannah in Georgia, 25th July, 1776.
I enclose yesterday's Report.
His ExcellY General Lee, Charlestown.
A Report is just come to Town of an Engagement
up the Country with the Indians in which some were
killed on both sides, but particulars unknown.
p. Lieut. Seixas Express.
ROBERT MORRIS TO GENERAL GATES.
Phila July 2th 1776.
DEAR SIR,
I ought to have wrote you a fortnight ago, that
Mrs. Gates with your son Bob, had gone for Virginia
after about a Weeks stay with us, during which you
had the misfortune to lose a horse.  I believe he
had been too hard drove, at least Bob thought that




1 70             THE LEE PAPERS.
was the cause of his death, although the Servant would
not allow  it.  Mrs. Gates bought another from Mr.
Hancock for which I am to pay him forty pounds, and
shall charge it to your account.  Mrs Gates did not
take the money she wanted at home, but is to draw on
me for it.
I hope you will be able to put our affairs at the
Lakes on a more respectable footing than they have
ever been since the days of poor Montgomery, certainly there has been great mismanagement in that department and I find some people attributing this to
a source I never should have suspected, is it possible
that a man who writes so well' & expresses such anxiety for the Cause of his Country as Gen'. S    r does,
I say is it possible that he can be sacrificing the Interest of that Country to his Ambition or Avarice. I sincerely hope it is not so, but such insinuations are
dropped. I beg leave to recommend Major Wood to
your Patronage you'l find him a bold intrepid officer
& as Lt. Col~. Allen has resigned, I shall push for the
Major to have that vacancy.
You'l be pleased with Lee's success at Carolina the
Enemy were maul'd greatly and I think the repulse
disgraces them, consequently reflects great honor on
our People.
You are no doubt well informed of what passes
at New York & as I have full employmt for my whole
time I shall only assure you of the esteem and regard
with which I am Dr Sir,
Your affectionate hble Servant,
ROBT MoRRIs.
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown, July ye 26th 1776.
DEAR SIR,
It was always my opinion (as I dare say it was
yours) that it is of the last importance to insure the




TEE LEE PAPERS.               1 71
success of the first expedition against ye Indians on this
principle. I think it prudent to form a Corps de reserve to prevent the dreadful consequences of a defeat,
shou'd such be the fate of your army marching against
them; Mr. Obenion is of opinion that this army is not
quite sufficient for the two purposes of attacking and
defending the Frontiers-You had better question him
minutely on the subject-if your Excellency approves
of it, I will immediately order a body of Continentals
to Prince's Fort or any other station which shall be
thought the most judicious.
I am Sir,
Yours
CHARLES LEE.
To The President.
FROM ARCHIBALD BULLOCK.
Savannah, July 26th 1776.
SIR,
I really must make an apology for taking off so
much of your Excellency's Attention from the business
of the United Colonies, by the frequency of my Epistles;
but I hope you will consider it, as arising from a desire
of communicating to you, whatever appears necessary to
be known for the good of the common cause. I gave
you p. favor of Lieutenant Seixas some information,
respecting the Ships of War appearing off our Coast. I
received the Intelligence, as I thought, from the best
Authority & embraced the first opportunity of writing
to you —however from the Examination of sundry Persons since, I find we have nothing to apprehend from
this invincible Armada, & that they are not as yet at
Cockspar. The accounts I have just received of the
Outrages of the Indians are very disagreeable, yet I
think with the Assistance of the Battalion you are
going to send us, we shall do extremely well.
I have sent this by my. friend Mr Byrd who was




1 72             THlE LEE PAPERS.
going to Charlestown, and who will give you the News
of this Province. I am Sir,
Your most obedient and very hble Sert.
ARCHD BULLOCK.
His Excellency Genl. Lee, at Charlestown
favd by the honble John Bryan, Esq.
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
July ye 27th, 1776.
DEAR SIR,
As the affair of taking the Brigg was in my apprehension not a naval but rather an army or at least a
conjunct operation, and as she was burn'd contrary to
the orders of General Armstrong under whose command and auspices the Commanding officer of the Float
ing Battery certainly acted,' I conceiv'd it wou'd be proper that a Court of inquiry compos'd of officers of the
line, shou'd examine previously to a Court Martial into
the cause of the Vessels being thus destroy'd contrary
to the General Order —if the guilt lay with the Navy
officer I shou'd then have prosecuted him at the proper
tribunal Navy Court Martial-A Court of Inquiry pronounces no sentence, but only finds that there is sufficient cause, or is not sufficient cause for a Court Martial —so that upon the whole I can see nothing unfair
in wishing for or proposing this mode of proceedingfor my own part I am extremely well satisfy'd whatever mode is adopted —my only motive for troubling
vou on the subject was to prevent the jealousies (whether reasonable or unreasonable) which I thought I
cou'd perceive brewing in some of the Officers breasts.
I wrote a line last night by Mr Obenion expressing
my opinion that it wou'd be prudent to form a Corps
de reserve on or near the Cherokee Line —but you have
not favour'd me with an answer. I wish you wou'd
think on the subject that we may without loss of time




THE LEE PAPERS.             173
arrange measures relative to the project; and am Dr
Sir,
Yours
CHARLES LEE.
Colonel Bullitt grossly mistook my meaning if he
gave your Excellency the least room to think that I
wish'd or propos'd to bring a Navy Officer to a Court
Martial of land officers —such an idea never enter'd my
head-not when I mention'd a Court of Inquiry of Officers of the line, did I mean to exclude the Navy Officers from a seat in this Court of Inquiry —-the operation
as I observed was conjunct —the Court of Inquiry might
of course with propriety have been conjunct.
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown, 27th July 1776.
DEAR SIR,
Inclos'd I send you two Letters, from  Governor
Bullock, and Col. M~Intosh-I am much concern'd that
I cou'd not obtain your Excellency's and the Council's
concurrence with my scheme of detaching a number of
your Provincials equal to a Battalion into Georgia —I
have order'd all the North Caroliners and Colonel Hugers Regiment under the command of General Howe
to march with all possible expedition to Purisbourg-I
must entreat your Excellency to order the proper officers to press waggons for Hugers Regiment and two
ton of powder.
You will oblige me when you have read the Letters,
if you will return'em.
I am Dear Sir,
Your most obt humble Servt
CHARLES LEE.
To His Excellency the President.




174             THE LEE PAPERS.
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown 27th July 1776.
SIR,
As in all probability I shall soon depart from the
Province, I think it my duty to submit to the consideration of your Excellency and the Council some measures
which I think necessary for the safety of the Province,
and consequently for the common interest of the United
Colonies.
1st As there is great reason to think that the Enemy
will make another attempt on Charlestown, altho' probably not before winter-a magazine shou'd be establish'd somewhere not very distant from the Town, for
the subsistence of at least six thousand men for three
months, but I wou'd recommend it for ten thousand
men — the necessary articles are Flour, some rice, salt
provisions, rum or whiskey and straw, with a great
number of boards which may serve either as flooring or
as Tents.
2ndly I wou'd propose that Commissaries shou'd
be immediately employ'd on or near the. South Georgia
Line to, purchase a sufficient number cf Cattle for the
establishment of this magazine-it will answer a double
good purpose; the cattle will be cheaper, and the Enemy will be deprived of one of the means of subsistence
-a Corps of Troops must be employ'd to protect the
Commissaries in the collection of the cattle, and which
may at the same time serve to dislodge the Enemy from
the Post they have taken on St Mary's.
3dly To construct and equip as expeditiously as possible a number of row gallies and other small vessels for
the protection of the harbour and the coast.
4thly To lose no time in finishing the works as laid
down by the Engineer in Sullivan's Island. I am Sir,
With the greatest respect
Your most obt humble Servt
CHARLES LEE.
To His Excellency The President.




THE LEE PAPERS.             175
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown ye 28th July 1776.
DEAR SIR,
I shou'd be very glad to have your Excellency's opinion on the subject I proposed-I mean forming a Corps
de reserve near or on the Cherokee Line no time shou'd
be lost-Muhlenberg's Regiment is ready for a march
-the Quartermaster General shou'd be authorized to
press a very considerable number of Waggons and immediately-fifty will not be too manyI am Dear Sir, Yours,
CHARLES LEE.
To His Excellency the President.
To BENJAMIN HARRISON.
Charlestown July ye 28th 1776.
DEAR SIR,
The Army here and in North Carolina are in the
greatest distress from want of Continental currency-I
must request therefore that you will without delay
furnish us with an hundred thousand Dollars, if you
have that sum in yr hands-if you have not, that you
will endeavour to procure it. I am inform'd that the
Troops in Virginia have been on the brink of mutiny
and general desertion from a discontent from not being
regularly paid-I cou'd wish (if it were possible)
always to have the Army three months in arrears-but
every point must yield to a general clamor-I therefore
entreat that for the future they may be more regularly
paid.
I am Dear Sir,
Your most Obedient Servt
CHARLES LEE.
To Benjamin Harrison, EsqT
Paymaster General of the Southern District.




176              THLE LEE PAPERS.
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown, July 29th 1776..
DEAR SIR,
Wherever we have Troops we should have Waggons;
it was certainly therefore a great oversight in your
Waggon Master General, not to retain a certain number of'em. We are now in a very awkward situation
-it is not indeed impossible that some time or other a
whole Province may be lost by such an omission. An
Army which cannot march in twenty four hours is no
Army —I must entreat your Excellency to hasten the
people employ'd to press Waggons, for the powder is
now lying expos'd to accidents of various sorts.
Lt Medici of the Light Horse will deliver this note;
it is necessary that the officers of this Corps, when detach'd (as they have no money for the purpose) shou'd
be furnished with an Order upon the Inhabitants where
they pass for forage-They must give receipts-I beg
your Excellency will furnish them with such an Order.
As I am writing to Virginia by express, I shou'd be
glad to have it in my power to inform'erm of what
steps are taken for the most regular establishments of
Posts-Will your Excellency and the Council point
out the best method, and I will communicate the plan
to North Carolina that they may do their part.
I wish you joy of the powder arriv'd and am Dr
Sir,                          Yours
CHARLES LEE.
His Excellency the President.
Shou'd not some Divers make another attempt to
fish up the muskets which these Rascals threw over
board?




THE LEE PAPERS.              177
To Go v. PATRICR HENRY.
Charlestown; July 29th 1776.
DEAR SIR,
I us'd to regret not being thrown into the World in
the glorious third or fourth century of the Romans;
but now I am thoroughly reconcil'd to my lot: the reveries which have frequently for a while serv'd to
tickle my imagination (but which when awaked from my
trance as constantly I consider'd as mere golden castles
built in the air) at length bid fair for being realiz'd.
We shall now, most probably, see a mighty empire
establish'd of Freemen whose honour, property and military glories are not to be at the disposal of a scepter'd
knave, thief, fool, or Coward; nor their consciences to
be fetter'd by a proud domineering Hierarchy —every
faculty of the soul will now be put in motion —no
merit can lye latent; the highest officers of the State
both civil and military will now be obtain'd without
court favour, or the rascally talents of servility and
observance by which Court favour cou'd alone be ac.quir'd —sense, valour, and industry, will conduct us to
the goal; every spark of ability which every individual
possesses, will now be brought forth and fornl the common aggregate for the advantage and honor of the
Community —the operations of war will be directed by
men qualified for war, and carried on with that energy
natural to a young People —true unartiz'd knowledge,
unsophisticated learning, simple genuine eloquence and
poetry will be carried to the highest degree of perfection-this to many, I am sensible, wou'd appear rant,
but to you, who, I think, have congenial feelings with
my own, it needs no apology —however, I shall now
endeavour to deliver myself more like a, man of this
world.
I most sincerely congratulate you on the noble con.
duct of your Countrymen, and I congratulate your
Country on having Citizens deserving of the high honor
VOL, II.-12




17t8 -          THE LEE PAPERS.
to which you are exalted, for the being elected to
the first Magistracy of a free People is certainly the
pinnacle of human glory, and am perswaded (Adltho Virginia is so well stock'd with excellent citizens) that
they cou'd not have made a happier choice.
Will you excuse me, but I am myself so extremely
democratical that I think it a fault in your Constitution that the Governor shou'd be eligible for three years
successively; it appears to me that a Government of
three years, may furnish an opportunity of acquiring a
very dangerous influence-but this is not the worst;
Tacitus says, pluzra peccantur, dulmn demerernur, quarn
dum offendirnus —a man who is fond of office and has
his eye upon re-election, will be courting favour and
popularity at the expense of his duty-He will give
way to the popular humours of the day, let'em be
ever so pernicious-in short, his administration will be
relax'd in general or partial to those whom he conceives to have the greatest interest: Whereas, were all
hopes of re-election precluded'till after the intervention of a certain number of years, he wou'd endeavour
to illustrate the year of his Government by a strict
rigorous and manly performance of his duty-these
notions may perhaps be weak and foolish, but such as
they are, I am sure you will excuse my uttering'em.
There is a Barbarism crept in amongst us that extremely shocks me. I mean those tinsel epithets with
which (I come in for my share) We are so beplaister'd-His Excellency and His Honour, The Honourable President of the Honourable Congress, or the
Honourable Convention —this fulsome nauseating cant
may be well enough adapted to barbarous monarchies;
or to gratify the adulterated pride of the fiagnzfici in
pompous Aristocracies, but in a great free manly equal
Commonwealth it is quite abominable  for my own
part, I wou'd as lief they wou'd put rats-bane in my
mouth as the Excellency with which I am daily
cramm'd —how much more true dignity was there in
the simplicity of address amongst the Romans —Mar



THE LEE PAPERS.'179
cus Tullius Cicero, Decimo Bruto Imperatori, or Caio
Marcello Consuli Des.; than To His Excellency Major
General Noodle, or To the Honourable John Doolle —
my objections are perhaps trivial and whimsical, but
for my soul, I cannot help starting'em —if therefore, I
shou'd sometimes address a letter to you without the
Excellency attach'd, you must not esteem it a mark of
personal or official disrespect, but the reverse.
The discontent of the Troops which you mention as
arising from the want of regular payment, might have
been remedied by General Lewis, his warrant is undoubtedly sufficient for the Paymaster —however, I have
written to that gentleman on this subject, and am in
hopes that affairs for the future might be more satis.
factorily conducted.
An old Rice boat which we converted the other day
into a row Battery has made a considerable prize —no
less than a brig with a whole Company of the Royal
Highlanl Emigrants on board, consisting of two officers
and fifty men-the Rascals altho' they saw that they
were inevitably our' prize had the impudence to throw
their arms overboard, for which they ought to have
their ears cut off, as it was contrary to all the rules of
War.
I send you inclosed the State of the Enemy's Navy
-I think there is no doubt of their Army having
steer'd their course Northward-on this presumption I
shall direct my course towards Virginia, but first must
assist to regulate the military affairs of this Province in
the best manner I can, tho' in fact that will be doing
little, the inconveniences of this complex play we are
acting of Duke and No Duke are numberless and great
-the President is thought by some to be the real Cominmander, I am thought so by others-in short, there
must be no Troops but Continental —the Council is at
present employ'd in settling a more regular Post.
We have received none these eighteen days-for
my own part, I conclude the mail has been intercepted
and carried on board the Man of War —Seven ton and




180             THE LEE PAPERS.
a half of powder were safely landed four days ago at
Georgetown.
Adieu, Dr Sir, and believe me to be most entirely
and sincerely
Yours
To Patrick Henry Junr         CHARLES LEE,
Governor of Virginia.
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown, July 30th 1776.
DEAR SIR,
As I hope and suppose that the Council is determin'd to establish a magazine, it wou'd be proper to
furnish Colonel Kennon with a sufficient quantity of
salt for the purpose. Your Excellency will therefore
much oblige me in giving Orders to supply him.
I am Dear Sir, &c
CHARLES LEE.
To The President.
To COLONEL MOULTRIE.
July the 30th, 1776.
DEAR COL.
Mr. Ferguson informs me, that he has furnished you
with two hundred pair of negroe shoes: As a party is
ordered on immediate service, I flatter myself you will
have the kindness to spare them for the poor devils,
who have so long a march before them, and are quite
unshod: You will have time enough to replace them;
I therefore request that you will shew your charity on
this occasion-and am
Dear Colonel, Yours
CHARLES LEE.
Toa Col. Moultrie.




THE LEE PAPERS.'            181;
PETITION, ETC.
[July 31, 1776.]
To His Excellency General LEE, Commander-in-chief,
&c: The Petition of the Inhabitants of the Parish
of St George, and St. Paul, including the ceded
lands in the Province of Georgia, most humbly
sheweth:
That your petitioners living on the frontiers of the
Western parts of the Province of Georgia aforesaid, are.
much exposed to the barbarous attacks of the Creek
Indians, and more especially from the intercourse which
necessarily must subsist between them and the Indian
traders, whilst an Indian trade is carried on, as it tends
to bring those savages down into the settlements, and
they seldom return without either committing murder or
robbery, and generally both, upon the white people.
That this, trade is of the utmost prejudice to your
petitioners, and the rest of the Province, excepting only
a few men immediately concerned in, it. And we
would further represent to your Excellency, that at the
treaty held between Sir James Wright, Bart., and John
Stuart, Esq, on behalf of George the Third, and the
Headmen and Warriors of the same nation, in the year
1,774, the Indian traders, from self interested views,
then recommended it to the said Sir James Wright and
John Stuart to reject a certain offer made to them by
the said Headmen and Warriors of a most valuable
cession of a tract of land lying or being on Oconee
River, being a fork of the Alatamaha, and by nature
formed for +he benefit and advantage of the inhabitants,
in giving them an opportunity of sending and exporting
their produce to market. And your petitioners can
with truth assur6 your Excellency, that if the Indian
trade was banished, it would be not only the means of
restoring peace and tranquility to this back country,




182  THE LEE PAPERS.
but likewise would encourage people to come and settle
therein. That your petitioners submit to your Excellency's wise consideration how far prudent it might be
to make an attempt to exterminate and rout those savages out of their nation, as it appears to your petitioners that a sufficient force might (with your Excellency's
Assistance) now be raised against them; and in such
case your petitioners will be ready, at the hazard of
their lives and fortunes, to unite together for so desirable a purpose. May it, therefore, please your Excellency to take the premises into mature deliberation,
and to grant such relief to your petitioners as your Excellency may think most proper. And your petitioners
will ever pray.
To GENERAL JAMES. MOORE.
Charlestown July 31"t 1776.
DEAR GENERAL,
You will oblige me extremely in consenting to the
re-establishment of Lt Quinn I dare say from the manner of the man, that his misconduct must alone be
ascribed to error, not to intention-if you consent, and
I hope you will, and there is a vacancy in Colonel
Bunkham's Regiment, he is desirous of being in it, and
I understand that the Colonel is not averse-on this
presumption, I enclose an order for his re-establishment.
I entreat, General, that you will provide all the
North Carolina Troops with havresacks as soon as
possible-inclosed is the State of the Enemy's Fleet —
perhaps enC passant They will pay you a visit —You
must therefore be on your guard.
I am Dr General, Yours,
CHARLES LEE.
P. S. I wish you wou'd intreat the Council in my




THE LEE PAPERS.             183
name to have always in readiness an Express Man and
Horse at Wilmington-another at Newbern and a third
at Edenton; for the consequences of the irregularity
and delays of the Post may be terrible.
To Brig. Gen. Moore, at Wilmington.
FROM COLONEL PETER MUHLENBERG.
July 31St 1776.
SIR,
I am very anxious to have the affair I mentioned to
your Excellency this morning, settled some way or
other, before We leave this place, as it may otherwise
perhaps, create confusion on the march —All the Continental Troops in this place have hitherto taken rank
of my officers, because they have no commissions to
produce & suffer them to Rank only as Provincials.
Since I mentioned this affair to your Excellency, I
have received another letter from Williamsburg, which
mentions that the Convention had apply'd to the
General Congress to take the 7th 8th & 9th Regiments
on the Continental Establishment That the answer
was, it could not be done immediately, but when those
Regiments were completely mann'd & arm'd they might
be taken. That the Convention had retained those
three Regiments in their Service, & in consequence of
this, the 7th & 9th Regts had receiv'd Provincial Pay to
the 25th of June. As this is the Case, I must beg leave
to say, that I should use myself ill, were I to accept a
Continental Commission after this date, when other
Regiments, raised long after mine, would take rank before me; I should prefer being oldest Provincial Officer
before the youngest Continental. I can assure your
Excellency nothing should have prompted me to mention this, did I not conceive that my Regiment had been
slighted in some respects perhaps of all the Virginia




184  TIJE LEE PAPERS.
Col~s my Connexions, and Fortune are smallest, but according to my abilities I have sacrificed perhaps as
much as they. I have cheerfully given up a salary of
~350, & during my stay in this place my wages are
scarce half sufficient to defray my necessary Expenses.
I shall not trouble your Excellency any further, only
request that the Rank of the Regiment may be settled
before we go, if possible.
Your Excellencys most obt. hble Servant,
PETER MUHLENBERG.
His Excellency General Lee.
FROMi GENERAL ARMSTRONG.
Camp at Haddrells July   1776.
DEAR GENERAL,
I ask your pardon in not yesterday answering your
last favour, nor did anything prevent but the apprehensions I had of being early favoured with another interview at Greenwich.
I thank you for your friendly regard to my health
and polite liberty with respect to residence & Exercise.
I hope God will prepare and direct yours for your own
& the publick good-the present era brings to view the
old Romans ans and Lacedemonians, but South Carolina
presents rather the Athenian Image.
I have revolved all the hints you threw out to me
of my own stay here over & over, and altho' tis a kind
of maxim that a soldier must not think, yet is thinking
half the design of his creation, and the human mind
some have defined a thinking substance.
Now dear General permit me to say that G' Howe
has a thousand qualifications for this meridian & not a
foible known to me,that will preponderate the opposite
scale, and he is able to wash off all the dryness incidental as it was, with half a dozen of Madeira, or a single
dance with the ladies will shake it off as we do the dust




THIE LEE PAPERS.             185
from our feet. But on the part of the Brigadier I am
now serious. Can he wish a more respectable Command?   It is so, from Local circumstances or in its own
nature,'tis additionally so from the talents it requires,
and I think Howe a genius amongst our American best.
I wish you liked his paying a visit to his No Carolina
friends for a few weeks if he chuses, then return here and
take the command, when I may follow you for farther
orders. What you have said of one Regt here, or now
drafts are going, part of both is perfectly right. The
officers in the yellow House, The men in the Barn and
best of the Hutts —but I hope to-morrow or next day
will bring you here-for I have not said the half on
anything, please to spend a thought on the criminal sentenced to die.
Poor Thompson & Irwin, what shall be done for
them?  I congratulate you on the fate of Dunmore,
and yr letter and papers has much obliged yr devoted'
hble Servt
JOHN ARMSTRONG.
General Lee.
To COLONEL MUHLENBERG.
Charlestown, August l1t 1 776.
DEAR COLONEL,
What the Continental Congress can mean (if ever
they so express'd themselves) by not taking your Regiment and the others on their establishment until they are
compleat, is above my conception-if they mean that it
was to have its full complement to a man, or that it
shou'd be compleat enough for service, I am at a loss —
if they meant the former, it was almost impossible that
these Regiments shou'd ever be on their establishment-if they meant the latter, your Regiment certainly
must have the precedency over all the Regiments on
the Continent in all the services I am acquainted with,
new levies are establish'd and take rank from the time




186             THE LEE PAPERS.
two thirds of their Regiments is rais'd. They are then
suppos'd on emergencies to be fit for service-on every
principle your Regiment must be considered as Continental, at least from the time you were ordered to
march out of the Province. You were ordered not because I was better acquainted with your Regiment than
the rest-but because you were the most compleat, the
best arm'd, and in all respects the best furnish'd for
service-You may depend therefore when the Congress
is inform'd of the Circumstances, your Rank will not
be disputed-the fact is that the Congress having no
military Men in their Body are continually confounding themselves and every body else in military matters-however to do'em justice they will bear being
corrected with candour & patience there is now a
Board of War establish'd, so we have reason to flatter
ourselves that things will go on with somewhat less
confusion. I shall write immediately on the subject if
it is necessary for your satisfaction and that of your
Officers but think you need be in no pain about it. I
find Colonel Sumner's is in the same predicament with
yourself-I wish you wou'd inform me which Regiment
was first embodied by order of its respective Convention as I apprehend your Rank must be settled accordingly.
I am Dr Colonel, Yours,
CHARLES LEE.
Colonel Muhlenberg.
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown August lst 1776.
DEAR SIR,
The plan for breaking intirely up the Province of
East Florida appears to me not only a wise one but indispensable for the safety of Georgia the success will
likewise make a most salutary impression on the minds




THE LEE PAPERS.             18 7
of the Creeks-which is an object of the highest consideration.
The Governor of Georgia & Colonel McIntosh are
of opinion that not less than a thousand men added to
what force they have themselves will be requisite for
the execution of the plan-but that this number will
suffice-I can upon the whole muster for this occasionabout six hundred including Mughlenburg's-but if it
were possible to form the number wanted of your Provincials and militia it wou'd in my opinion be more for
the service of this Province and for the common cause
to send Mughlenburg's along with Sumpters to the
other Frontiers to form a second line or Corps de reserve to the Army march'd or marching against the
Cherokees-I shou'd think this East Florida Expedition wou'd suit the taste of your Militia-as they will
have a chance of enriching themselves-There is nothing
in the meantime to be apprehended for this CapitalClinton will not return before Winter. I have myself
thoughts of setting out for Georgia the day after tomorrow to arrange all matters relative to the projected
expedition.
I am Dear Sir, Yours,
CHARLES LEE.
To His Excellency the President.
To RICHARD PETERS.
Charlestown, August 2d 1776.
SIP;,
I wish I had been informed how I am to address
myself in writing to the Board of War, whether to the
Board in general, to the first member on the List, or to
the Secretary. I have ventur'd on the last mode, if it is
wrong, I hope I shall be excus'd and corrected.
The irregularity and tardiness of the Post are now
become a matter of very serious concern: We never re



188              THE LEE PAPERS.
ceive a letter from Philadelphia in less than six or seven
weeks, that from the members of the Board of War
and Ordnance is only just now arrived tho' dated the
12th of June-I have been pressed by several members
of the Convention of Virginia to establish a Post for
this district, but am apprehensive that it might interfere with the Continental Post; however, the consequences arising from the irregularity of the Post are so
very serious that all other considerations must be waved
-in the meantime I am constrain'd to the necessity of
putting the Cortinent to the expense of an express
almost on every occasion.
I am extremely rejoic'd at the establishment of a
Board of War; for the business of Congress was -so
complex and heterogeneous that it was impossible they
shou'd give the necessary attention to the affairs of
any one distinct department —their Regulations with
respect to Returns &c shall be punctually observed.
I have ordered General Armstrong to collect the
Returns from the different Corps, to digest'em into one,
and transmit'em immediately to the Congress.
I am myself busyed in arranging matters for an expedition into East Florida.
It is much to be lamented that these Southern Colonies suffer'd the whole last Winter to pass over their
heads without preparing the means either of offence or
defence-not a single row galley or armed Boat was
furnish'd forth by Virginia, North or South Carolina:
were we provided with a moderate fleet of these sort of.
vessels, I think I cou'd ensure the reduction of East
Florida-an object which tho' not equal with Canada,
is certainly of very great importance-here the nefarious measures of the Tyrants Agents wth the Southern
Indians are concerted and plann'd —their treaties negotiated and concluded-here they receive their bribes
for their murderous operations, and from hence they
are supplied with all the means and instruments of
War; from hence they have lately mnade some alarming incursions into Georgia, carried off considerable




THE LEE PAPERS.             189
number of Negroes and not less than two thousand
head of cattle: they have likewise thrown up a Post
on the River St Mary's which if suffer'd to remain may
prove extremely troublesome to Georgia, by affording
a ready asylum to Negro Deserters-from these considerations, altho' I cannot think of laying siege to
Augustine, having neither boats, horses, waggons, nor
any other means of conveying Cannon, ammunition or
provisions for the purpose-I think it both a prudent
and necessary measure to attempt breaking up the
whole Province of East Florida-it will be a security
to Georgia, occasion infinite distress to the Garrison of
St Augustine, but above all, make a salutary impres
sion on the minds of the Creeks who now are thought
to stand wavering —They profess a good disposition towards the American cause, but if by a strong predatory
expedition into the Province of the Enemy we give an
idea of our prowess and superior strength they will be
riveted in our interest. If I was sure Mr Clinton and
his army had steer'd. their course to New York as the
Deserters all agree, and a Letter which was left in
Long Island confirms (a copy of which is here enclos'd)
I shou'd as I have nothing immediately else to do in
my district, march in person with this party; but the
bare possibility of his being gone to Virginia will detain me.
Every ship of the Enemy has now repass'd the Bar
— it appears by this same inclos'd Letter, that they
were more roughly handled than even the Deserters
represented.
The Congress I make no doubt have been inform'd
of the incursions made and the ravages committed by
the upper and lower Cherokees-an expedition I understand is furnish'd forth by Virginia against the Upper
Nations —another by this Province against the lowerthe success or miscarriage is of the last consequence. I
am therefore desirous of forming a second line or corps
de reserve and detaching for this purpose a Regiment of
Regulars, but have not as yet been able to procure




190              THE LEE PAPERS.
waggons sufficient for two companies It will be necessary that Congress shou'd make some regular establishment for waggons-I shou'd think one Waggon at least
if not two shou'd be purchas'd and appointed to each
Company of the whole Army and Regiments made
responsible for theirs respectively. We shou'd then be
able to march when occasion requires expedition, at
present it is sometimes as much impossible to march an
hundred miles, altho' the fate of a Province depended
upon it, as if the soldiers wanted legs.
I hope the Congress and Board of War will excuse
my giving an opinion on a subject on which it has not
been ask'd, but I conceiv'd it to be my duty not to
remain silent on any affairs of such moment.
I find Sir, that representations have been made that
many inconveniences wou'd arise from  putting the
Troops of this Province on the Continental Establishment.  I can assure the Congress that it is almost
impossible to carry on the service if they remain on the
Colonial Establishment, the difference of the Laws, the
distinction of the ranks occasion much confusion —and
the ridiculous farce of Duke and No Duke we are playing,' (the officers not always comprehending who is their
proper Commander, whether the President or Continental General) occasions very dangerous distractions,
but there are other matters of more serious consideration, of which I shall not trouble you with a detail;
nor do I find that the officers of this Province object to
a Continental Establishment, on the contrary, all those I
have convers'd with, seem desirous of it-upon the
whole, I think it absolutely essential to the public Service that these Regiments shou'd immediately be put
on the same footing and govern'd by the same laws
with the rest, nor am I singular in opinion-the two
Brigadiers-all the officers of every rank and the greater
part of the gentlemen of the Country concur with me.
Colonel Mughlenburg of the 8th Battalion of Virginians has been made very uneasy by some letters He
has lately receiv'd with respect to the rank of his Regi



THE LEE PAPERS.             191
ment -these Letters intimate that it was never the
intention of the Congress to consider the seventh, eighth,
and ninth Battalions of the Virginians on the Continental Establishment until they were entirely compleat-that his Regiment never was intirely compleat,
and that consequently after having so long thought
himself on the Continental Establishment, and on this
presumption having march'd five hundred miles from
his own province under the Command of a Continental
General, he now at last finds himself only a Provincial
officer. I have ventur'd to assure him and his officers
who are equally uneasy that there must be some mistake in this affair-in fact, the hardship wou'd be so
great that I cannot believe their apprehensions are well
founded-it was (if I remember right) notify'd in April
by the Committee of Safety in Virginia that they were
then taken upon the Continental Establishment, and
(tho' in this I may be mistaken) without the proviso of
their being compleat. It happen'd at this time tho' not
compleat -to a man (for no Regiment ever is compleat
to a man) that Mughlenburgh's Regiment was not only
the most compleat of the Province, but I believe of the
whole Continent —it was not only the most compleat in
Numbers, but the best arm'd cloth'd, and equip'd in all
respects for immediate Service —I must repeat that I
cannot conceive it was ever the intention of Congress
that the establishment shou'd be fill'd to a man, but
that they shou'd be competent to service in or out of
their Province-in most services when new levies are
rais'd one half of the propos'd complement entitles'em
to establishment —Mughlenberg's Regiment wanted only
forty at most it was the strength and good condition
of the Regiment that induc'd me to order it out of its
own Province in preference to any other-I certainly
consider'd'em at that time as Continental Troops otherwise I cou'd have no authority to order'em out of the
Province.
I must now submit it to the consideration of the
Congress if it wou'd not really be the greatest cruelty




192              THE LEE PAPERS.
that their strength and good condition shou'd be
turn'd against'em-it was their strength and good
condition which carried'emr out of their Province
where had they remain'd and known that it was a
necessary condition of their establishment to be compleat to a man, they certainly cou'd have accomplish'd
it in three days-I do therefore most sincerely hope
and confidently perswade myself that Mlughlenbergs
Regiment will at least date their Rank from the day I
order'd'em to march out of their Province, not only
justice but policy requires it, for you will otherwise
lose a most excellent Regiment.
I often represented to Congress how difficult or impossible it wou'd be to engage or retain after they were
engaged any Engineers of tolerable qualification on the
wretch'd pay established-The two appointed to my
district have (as I expected) quitted the service —
it was indeed impossible for'em to exist. Stadler I
hear has enter'd into the service of Virginia —Massenburg is retain'd by this Province at fifty four Dollars
p. month, a servant, rations, and his travelling expenses
-He formally begg'd his dismission from me, assur'd
me (and I believe sincerely) he was zealous in the
cause of America, that he wou'd willingly (if I chose
it) enlist as a common soldier, but that to ride aboult
the Continent from  North to South, find horses, and
appearlike a gentleman was'ipossible. I cou'd not
in conscience force him to starve, so consented to his
engaging in this service-I am now without a single
Engineer, and really know not how to carry on the busyness-I hope the Board will consider the necessity of
supplying me.
I shall now, Sir, conclude with assuring'em that I
am with greatest respect, their most obedient humble
servant
CHARLES LEE.
P. S. The most material event that has happen'd
since I last did myself the honour of writing to the




THE LEE PAPERS.              193
Congress, is that, with an Old Rice Boat converted into
a Row Battery we made prize of a Transport Brig with
a compleat compa of Royal Highland Emigrants, consisting of two officers and fifty two Privates-the Captain
only escap'd. They threw their arms overboard, for
which they deserve to lose their ears-seven other Prisoners were taken in a boat.
If the Congress take into their pay and immediate
service any of the Maryland Troops, I beg leave to
recommend to their Patronage Mr Daniel Jenifer of
that Province, who is now with me in the character of a
supernumerary Aid de Camp-He is a man of spirit,
zeal, activity, and sense, and there is certainly no small
degree of merit in a gentleman of his age, settled way
of living, and connections-to offer himself and serve as
a Volunteer in a part of the world so remote from his
home and generally thought favourable to few Constitutions.
The writing busyness of our Deputy Adjutant General is so heavy that he has represented the necessity
of an Assistant.  He cannot procure one tolerably
qualified for less than twenty Dollars p. month. I have
told him that I had no power to grant any allowance,
but as we cannot do without such an aid, I have ventur'd to order the Paymaster General to pay this sum
in hopes the Congress will approve it, if it is not approved of the Adjutant General (tho' he can ill afford
it) consents it shou'd fall upon himself.
To Richard Peters, Esqr
Secretary to the Board of War and Ordnance.
VOL. II.- 13




194             THE LEE PAPERS.
MWILLIAM FALCONER TO ANTHONY FALCONER.
[Inclosed in the preceding letter.]
Camp Long-Island, July 13th, 1776.
DEAR BROTHER,
With the greatest difficulty I have procured this
small piece of paper to inform you of my being very
well, notwithstanding the miserable situation we are in.
We have been encamped on this Island for this
month past, and have lived on nothing else but salt
pork and pease. We sleep upon the sea shore, nothing
to shelter us from the violent rains, but our coats or
miserable paltry blankets. There is nothing that grows
upon this Island, it being a mere sand bank, and a few
bushes which harbours millions of musketoes, a greater
plague than there can be in Hell itself.
y this sloop-of-war you will have an account of an
action which happened on the 28th June, between the
ships and the fort on Sullivan's Island. The cannonade continued for about nine hours, and was perhaps
one of the briskest known in the annals of war; we
had two fifty gun ships, and five frigates from 24 to
30 guns playing on the fort, I may say without success,
for.they did the battery no manner of damage, and
killed 15, and wounded betwixt 40 and 50. Our ships
are in the most mangled situation you can conceive.
The Acteon, a 30 gun frigate, run aground during the
action, and it was impossible to get her off, we were
obliged to burn and blow her up.
Our killed and wounded amounts to betwixt two and
three hundred. Numbers die daily of their wounds.
The Commodore is wounded in two different places.
His Captain lost his left arm, and right hand, and was
wounded in different parts of his body; he lived but
two days after the action. Captain Scott, of the Experiment of fifty guns, died of his wounds, and numbers of the other officers.




THE -LEE PAPERS.            195
If the ships could have silenced the battery, the
army was to have made an attack on the back of the
Island, where they had about 1000 men entrenched up
to their eyes, besides a small battery of four guns, one
eighteen pounder, and three four pounders, all loaded
with grape shot, so that they would have killed half of
us, before we could make our landing good.
We are now expecting to embark for New York, to
join Gen. Howe with the grand army. My anxiety to
inform you of bad news, had well nigh made me forget
to mention our passage to Cape Fear, where we arrived
safely the first of May, after a voyage of three months.
Though it was long, yet it was not disagreeable after
we got out of the bay of Biscay, where we met with
the worst weather ever known at sea, and continued in
that situation for sixteen days; after that time we had
very fine weather all along; sometimes we'were becalmed for four or five days together, not going above
ten knots a day. Upon our arrival in Cape Fear we
disembarked; and were encamped in the woods until
the 27th of May, when we went on board again, and
sailed for this infernal place. The oldest of the officers,
do not remember of ever undergoing such hardships as
we have done since our arrival here.
I hope you will be so good as to watch every opportunity to let me hear from you and Mrs. Falconer,
and at the same time to inform me how I shall do in
case I shall be obliged to purchase my Lieutenancy. I
beg you will make my excuse to my dear sister for not
writing to her at this time; it is not owing to want of
affection, but to the want of proper materials. I am
obliged to write on the ground. You will be so good
as to let Capt. Falconer know the same thing. I shall
write again from Neiw York. I am, dear Sir,
Your most affectionate brother,
WILLIAM FALCONER.
To the Hon., Anthony Falconer,
at Montrose, Scotland.




1 96            THE LEE PAPERS.
To MAJOR WHITE.
Fryday Night August 2nd, [1776.]
SIR,
I am extreamly concern'd that there shou'd be so
great difficulty in setting your Corps in motion-I
must request that you will march by break a day —You
are to leave a subaltern and thirty [men] to bring up the
Cattle, Tools, and amnlunition —There is one circumstance I must recommend most earnestly to you and
Colonel Sumner, it is to understand one another. You
have distinct Corps it is true, but when you are together he commands you to all intents and purposes,
and you are to march together till further orders. I
mention this because, I think I see a little too much
propensity to bickering amongst you Gentlemen of N.
Carolina.
I am Sir, Yours
CHARLES LEE.
To Major White.
FROM COLONEL CHRISTOPHER GADSDEN.
Light House Island, 2d Augt 1776.
SIR,
In consequence of your Excellency's Permission for
a detachmt of my Regiment to come here-after the
Enemy supposed to be at this Post.-I set off at Sundown yesterday from Fort Johnston, wth a detachment
of 120 Rank and file of my Regimt., & when we were
near the Island were joined by Capt. Stone with 36 of
his company. We landed about 10 -o'clock last night,
and as soon as we could form (in less than five minutes)
after leaving 35 armed & about sixteen Boatmen to
take care of.the Boats, I immediately hasted along the
Beach from one end of the Island to the other and
when I had thoroughly investigated [it I] marched up




THE LEE PAPERS.              197
to the Light House which we found totally deserted, &
are now' in possession of it. I intend to stay till tomorrow Evening, & in the mean Time I wish we could
decoy or provoke the men of war & people to Land —
were they to land all they have and to leave their ships
at anchor without a man on board, I shou'd not doubt
with the honest Fellows I have with me with God's
Blessing to give your Excelly. a very good account
of them. We have no pen & Ink with us —-Your Excelly. may depend on everything being done in the
Power of
Your obliged Hble Servt
CHRIST. GADSDEN.
P. S. The ships are within a good random [shot] of
a Battery that might be erected on the beach opposite
to them. I believe they intend to go as soon as they
can.
His Excellency Major General Lee,
Chas Town.
[Upon the foregoing, which is in pencil, the following is written in ink
— evidently a memorandum by General Lee intended for another document.]
The aforegoing mode of settling the temporary Rank
of the two Colonels is approved, and settling the rank
of Colonel Mughlenberg & Sumner until it can be
ascertained, and it is ordered that they settle it according.
FROM GENERAL ARMSTRONG.
Camp at Haddrell's 3d August 1776.
DEAR GENERAL,
Your orders of the 1st Inst to settle the Rank of the
Colonels Mecklenburg & Sumner, calne to hand yesterday. I thought to have held the Court at this place
as of this day, but from the situation of the Mem



198              THE LEE PAPERS.
bers & partys found it scarcely practicable & at least
to have risqued an adjournment.  I have therefore appointed Monday at Ten oclock in Town where I shall
attend if agreeable to you. But shou'd the thing require greater dispatch, I shall on notice attend by day
or by night. Yesterday & this but little better, I have
had a disagreeable swiming in my brain or headach,
and thought to have thrown it off by a jant to Long
Island.  The Spot about one mile & quarter in length
and from 40 to 60 perches wide where the Enemy Encamped is at once, Romantick & Secure, and the advanced post well enough taken, the latter however wvith
some loss might have been -cut off, had the situation
been early enough known.
Yours Dear General,
JOHN ARMSTRONG.
To COLONEL SUMNER.
Charlestown 3rd Augt 1776.
SIR,
I think you will act prudently in getting your
Regiment over Ashley Ferry as soon as possible-as
your men (shou'd they be inclin'd to desert) will find
much greater difficulties in'accomplishing it-If you are
then not properly equipp'd, you may halt —send back
some intelligent officer to inform me of your wants and
you shall be supplied accordingly.
I am Sir, Yours,'
To Colonel Sumner.             CHARLES LEE.
To COLONEL HORnY.
Charlestowvn Augt 3d 1776.
DEAR Sin,
I am sorry you shou'd be put to any inconveniency,
but so important a concern as the preservation of the




THE LEE PAPERS.              199
Soldiers supercedes all considerations-I must desire
therefore that you will give up Scott's house for the
purpose of a convalescent Hospital —it must be done
immediately, which I daresay you will most chearfully
comply with as your good sense and humanity will
convince you of the propriety.
I am Dr Sir, Yours,'To Colonel Horry.              CHARLES LEE.
To PiRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown August 3d 1776.
DEAR SIR,
It appears to me that your Excellency's Department
and mine are not yet thoroughly ascertain'd and distinguish'd-I conceive (but I am not positive) that I
have the sole Command of the Troops here both Conti.
nental and Provincial-I am  just inform'd that a
General Court Martial has been held at the Artillery
Barracks by your Excellency's warrant-I cou'd wish
before it was open'd and approv'd of that the affair
might be clear'd up-I do assure you that I do not
speak from an ambition of extending my authority, but
to prevent confusion in future.
I find that your 1st 2nd 4th and 5th Regiments are put
on the Continental Establishment. One of'em will be
order'd immediately to Georgia, but the Regiment I
shou'd choose which is the 3rd still remains on the
Colonial Establishment-this Regiment the most proper
for an Expedition of the nature propos'd, will be the
most improper to garrison a Fort -I wish therefore
matters cou'd be so contrived as to send this on the
expedition, and retain a better qualify'd one for the
Fort.
I am Dr Sir, Yours,
CHARLES LEE,
To Htis Excellency the President.




200              THE LEE PAPERS.
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown August 6th 1776.
DEAR SIR,
Governor Bullock and his Council —Col. McIntosh
and his Officers are unanimously of opinion that an
expedition into East Florida is necessary for the very
being of Georgia and consequently of the last importance to the common cause; that not less than eleven
hundred men added to what force they themselves can
furnish will be adequate to the execution. The whole
number of Continental Troops I can muster fit for duty,
or whose time of service is not near expiring amounts
to six hundred and forty.  I must therefore most
earnestly request vour Excellency and the Council to
order for this purpose a Corps of four hundred and
sixty men, as likewise a- Captain, two subalterns, and
thirty privates of the Regiment of Artillery from the
Colonial Troops of Carolina as otherwise this projected
expedition (on which the very existence of a deserving
sister colony, and in the success of which the whole
American Community is so deeply interested) must be
laid aside.
I am, Dear Sir, Yours,
CHARLES LEE
To The President.
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown, August 6th 1776.
DEAR SIR,
The arrangement of the Troops, for the projected
expedition, made by your Excellency and the Council,
is, I really think,. more judicious than mine-the
species is better calculated for the peculiar service than
what I had proposed-:I am consequently pleas'd with
it, and shall give orders accordingly: but I can by no




THE LEE PAPERS.             201
means agree with your Excellency that the 1st 2nd 4th &
5th Regiments still remain Colonial-the words of the
resolves of Congress on this head will in my opinion
not admit of two constructions; the language is plain,
explicit, and positive; the clause which restricts the
Continental General from moving out of the Province
without the Consent of the President and Council more
than one third of the Troops unequivocally empowers
him to move one third without their consent-if there
is any meaning in language, this is the meaning: As to
the letter of the Delegates, I do not see (if it was intelligible) that it wou'd be pertinent-it wou'd only be
the comments of men in a private capacity with which
(as Public officers) we have nothing to do.
As I do not chuse (in a matter of so delicate a nature) to rest entirely on my own judgment, I thought
proper to call together a Council of the Officers-inclos'd is the result of their opinions-at present I shall
trouble your Excellency no more on this subject, but
cannot help expressing my apprehensions that great
confusion and distraction will inevitably be produc'd
from such a jumbled perplex'd system as now seems to
be aimed at. Shou'd your Province have exceptions in
its favor, shou'd the Continental General have full authority to move when and where they please the Troops
of the other Provinces, whilst those of South Carolina
who are to be subsisted at the common expense and enjoy equal rank with the rest, are to remain sacredly
immoveable, unless by order of their own President,
Council, or Assembly, it will occasion infinite discontent not only amongst the Troops but the Legislatures
of the other Colonies —They will naturally ask what
Title has South Carolina to these exemptions and extraordinary priviledges? another and another will claim
the same, and finally, the whole become one disjointed
scene of anarchy and confusion —but whatever the
Congress shall determine, it is my duty chearfully to
submit to. I shall now conclude with repeating that I
conceive from the words of the Resolves that I have a




202              THE LEE PAPERS.
right to move one. third of these Troops out of the
Province from my ownh authority, although I have fortunately no occasion to exert this right at present as I
really think your Excellency's arrangement extremely
judicious, and am Dr Sir       Yours
CHARLES LEE.
To His Excellency John Rutledge.
OPINIONS, ETC.
[Inelosed in the foregoing letter.]
Charlestown, August 6, 1776.
HIs Excellency Major General Lee, having thought
proper to take the sense of Brigadiers-General Armstrong and Howe, and the Field Officers of the First,
Second, Fourth, and Fifth Regiments of the South-Carolina forces, on a difference of opinion between his Excellency the President and General Lee, on the construction of a resolve of Congress, with respect to the above
Regiments being in the Continental establishment, the
following are the opinions of the above gentlemen on
the subject:
Brigadiers General Armstrong and Howe are clearly
of opinion, from the face of the resolves of Congress,
that the above Regiments are on the Continental estab.
lishment.
The other officers, being called upon were as follows:
Colonels Gadsden and Moultrie,   Continental
Lieutenant Colonel Sumpter,     Continental
Majors Cathell and Elliot,      Continental
Lieutenant-Colonel Pinckney   not Continental
Lieutenant Colonels Motte andRobertson,                not Continental
Major Henderson,            not Continental




THE LEE PAPERS.             203
To THE BOARD OF WAR AND ORDNANCE.
Charlestown, August 7th 1776.
GENTLEMEN:
As I am this instant setting out for Port Royal &'Georgia, I shall only at present trouble the Board with
a couple of lines which my regard for the Public Service obliges me to write; I must express my apprehensions that unless the Troops of this Province are put unconditionally and without any restrictions on the same
footing with the rest-much distraction and confusion
will ensue, already it has in some measure had this
effect: The President and myself put two constructions diametrically opposite on the resolves of the Congress of June ye 8th.  I conceive by these Resolves
that I have the power of moving one third of the
Troops out of the Province without consent of the President and Council, for it appears to me, if there is any
meaning in language that the clause which restricts the
Continental General from moving more than one third
of these Troops out of the Province without the consent
of the President and Council expressly gives him the
power of moving one third. His Excellency the President on the other hand insists that no such power is
vested in me: the officers whose opinions I have ask'd
on the meaning of these Resolves are not unanimous,
but the major part concur with me-inclos'd is the result of their opinions-thus already we are in a bless'd
chaos of uncertainty and confusion —as near as I have
been able to gather the sentiments of the officers and
soldiers of the Regiments immediately interested —
shou'd the President and myself have so little regard
for the Public welfare as to make a tryal of our respective authority, I believe I shou'd be obey'd by three
fourths, His Excellency by one; but thank God I believe we have both too much grace to make the experiment.




204              THE LEE PAPERS.
I hope the Congress will not think it presumption in
my observing that the Clause restricting the Continental General from moving more than one third of the
Troops out of the Province without the consent of the
President and Council may be attended with fatal consequences-for instance, when this Capital the other day
manifestly in the jaws of destruction call'd out for the
assistance of her neighbours —had the General been restrictedl in his power, had the President and Council of
North Carolina been out of the way, or had they from
a timid but natural perswasion that their own Province
was the real object of the Enemy, and that the Enemy's
departure was only a feint in order to weaken the Province and immediately return and surprise'emr in a defenceless state —had I say, any of these circumstances
prevented the Continental General from marching (and
immediately marching) with more than one third of the
Troops of North Carolina, Charlestown wou'd have been
lost. We had an instance similar the other day, Georgia call'd out for assistance: I requested a Battalion of
the Provincials from the Governor and Council and
cou'd not obtain it-in short I beg leave to urge the
necessity of unconditionally putting the Troops of South
Carolina on the same footing with the rest; I beg leave
to assure the Board and Congress that not only the two
Brigadier Generals, the whole Continental officers, but
nine in ten of the Provincials and of the Gentlemen of
the country are firmly perswaded that their remaining
on the Colonial Establishment, or half continental half
provincial as they are at present, will be productive of
one disjointed scene of anarchy, perplexity, and confusion —I shall beg leave before I conclude to mention one
circumstance which is worthy the attention of Congress,
and ought to be cleared up; Brigadier General Armstrong was order'd to be station'd at this place-he repair'd to his station according to the orders he had receiv'd, but as he had no Continental Troops with him,
he was consider'd as a mere private man or Cypher: I
shou'd imagine it cou'd never be the intention of Con



THE LEE PAPERS.             205
gress to order Brigadier Armstrong to ride to Charlestown for his health or merely to see the Country.
These things Gentlemen, shou'd be ascertain'd with
precision as being left to the different constructions and
expositions of different men will give birth to disgust,
divisions and party —this at least is the conviction of
Gentlemen
Your most obt humble Servant
CHARLES LEE.
To The Board of War and Ordnaice,
Philadelphia.
FROM THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, August 8th 1776.
SIR,
The Congress having this day received a Letter from
General Washington containing very important Infornation, I do myself the honor to enclose you a Copy of
the same. You will there perceive that General Clinton, with the Troops under his Command, has joined
General Howe at Staten Island, having left South Carolina soon- after the Defeat he and Commodore Parker,
sustained at Sullivan's Island.
In consequence of this Intelligence, the Congress are
convinced, that the Enemy, by collecting their whole
Force into a Point are determined to make a most vigo.
rous Exertion at New York; and in order to ensure success in that Quarter are disposed for the present to
overlook every other object. The getting possession of
that City and the junction of the two Armies under
Generals Howe and Burgoyne seem to be the Grand
Objects they have in view, and to the attainment of
which, they give up every inferior Consideration.
In this situation of our affairs, the Congress being
of opinion your services in the Middle Department will




20 6             THE LEE PAPERS.
be necessary, I have it it in Command to direct, that
you repair as soon as possible to the City of Philadelphia there to receive such Orders- as they may think
proper to give you.
The attack at New York being hourly expected, and
the Event of it uncertain, I am to request you will use
the greatest Expedition on the Way.
With the best Wishes for youre Health and Prosperity, I have the Honour to be
With the greatest Respect, Sir,
Y6ur most obedt & very hble sert.
JOIIN HANCOCK,
Presidt
Hon. Major General Lee.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Inclosed i~n the preceding letter.]
SIR,
Since closing the Letter which I had the Honour
to write you this morning two Deserters have come in
who left the Solebav man of War last Evening. One
of them is a native of'New York. Their account is,
that they were in the Engagement with Col~ Moultrie
at Sullivans Island on ye 9th July-the particulars they
give nearly correspond with the Narrative sent me by
Gen1 Lee —That they left Carolina 3 Weeks ago, as a
Convoy to 45 Transports, having on board Gen' Clinton,
Ld Cornwallis & the whole Southern Army, consisting
of about 3000 Men all of whom were landedl'last week
on Staten Island in tolerable Health.
That on Sunday 13 Transports part of Lord Howes
Fleet, & having on Board Hessians and Highlanders,
came to Staten Island —That the Remainder of the Fleet
which was reported to have in the whole 12000 men had
parted with these Troops off the Banks of Newfound.
and and were expected to come in every moment —That




THE LEE PAPERS.             20.7
they were getting their heavy Carriages & Cannon on
Board, had launch'd 8 Gondolas with Flat Bottoms &
2 Rafts or staps to carry Cannon. These men understand that the attack will soon be made, if the other
Troops arrive-that they give out they will lay the
Jersey waste with Fire and Sword —the computed
strength of their. Army will be 30,000 men-they farther add that when. they left Carolina one Transport
got on Shore so that they were not able to give her relief, upon which she surrendered with 5 Companies of
Highlanders to Genl Lee, who after taking everything
valuable out of her burnt her-That the Admiral turn'd
Gen' Clinton out of his Ship after the Engagement with
a great deal of abuse —Great Differences between the
principal naval and military Gentlemen.
That the Ships left in Carolina are now in such a
weakly distressed Condition, they would fall an easy
Prey.
I am Sir
With great Respect and Regard
Your most obt. & very hble Servt
G~ WASHINGTON.
Head Quarters: New York,
Auog. 7th 1776. 1 oclock, P.M.
P. S. The Ships are changing their Position, and
the Men of War forming into a Line. But I still think
they will wait the arrival of the remaining Hessians
before any General Attack will be made-Monday's
Return will shew our Strength here.
G. W.
FROM GENERAL ROBERT HOWE.
My DEAR GENERAL,
I have detach'd the Horse agreeable to your order.
I am just getting out of the Damnable Hobble in which
you left me. Thompson's Detachment is march'd Also




208             TIE LEE PAPERS.
Cattels i. e. Gadsdens, Moultrie's sets out this Evening
or Tomorrow Morning when I shall take my leave of
this Hotch Potch Camp and join you as fast as my
Horses can carry me.  I forward to you some Pacquets just received Exactly in the order they come (a
new cover Excepted) Morris is well — Whiffles however
~as usual. Birds relicts & Nourses I shall bring along
with me-they are very careless. Mrs Nourse sends her
Love to the Secretary. She says her heart is with
him*    *    *
I should be much obliged to you if you will contrive me a line to Colo Bulls informing me whether I
must call at Beaufort or proceed —if you are not gone
on I shall certainly call myself, but the Troops unless
you order otherwise will proceed the shortest way to
Purisburg. Everything here is as you left it. I have
nothing to add but that I long to join you and that I
am with Respect & Esteem, Dear Sir,
Your most obet Serv
R. How'E.
10th August 1776.
Major General Lee,
at Beaufort Port Royal.
FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
New-York, August 12th, 1776.
MY DEAR LEE,
Notwithstanding I shall probably feel the effect, I
do most cordially and sincerely congratulate you on
your victory over Clinton and the British squadron at
Sullivan's Island. A victory undoubtedly it is, when
an enemy are drubbed, and driven from a country they
were sent to conquer. Such is the case of Clinton and
Sir Peter Parker, who are now with the fleet and army
at Staten Island, where General Howe and the troops
from Halifax have been ever since the last day of June,




THE LEE PAPERS.              209
and Lord Howe since the twelfth of July. Some Hessians and a pretty many of the Scottish laddies have
got in, and the residue of the fleet parted with off the
banks of Newfoundland, hourly expected. When the
whole arrive matters will soon come to a decision,
every thing being prepared on both sides for the
appeal, and, on ours, I hope it will be obstinate, if not
successful.
The latter, it is not in the power of mortals to command; but they may endeavour to deserve it; and this
I am persuaded, our troops will more than ever aim at,
as I have impressed upon their minds the gallant behaviour of the brave few, who defended Sullivan's
Island.
At present the enemy can bring more men to a
point than we can, and when reinforced by the Hessians without number, as unless the militia (faster than
heretofore) come in to our aid, their numbers, when the
Hessians arrive cannot, by the best intelligence we can
get, fall short of twenty-five thousand men. Ours are
under twenty, very sickly, and posted on Governor's
Island, Long Island, at Powlis Hook, Horn's Hook,
and at the pass near King's Bridge; more militia are
expected, but whether they will be in time, time only
can tell, as also where the point of attack will be. An
opinion prevails, countenanced by hints from some of
the principal tories, and corroborated by intelligence
from Staten Island, that part of the enemy's fleet and
army will go into the Sound, whilst another part of it,
runs up the North River, thereby cutting off all communication by water with this place, whilst their troops
form a chain across the neck, and stop an intercourse
with Connecticut by land: others think, they will not
leave an army in their rear, whilst they have the
country in their front, getting by that means between
two fires, unless it is extended as a feint to withdraw
our troops from the city, that they may slip in and
possess themselves of it: all this is but a field of conjecture.
VOL. II — 14




210             THE LEE PAPERS.
Our affairs in the north have been growing from
bad to worse, till, Ihope they will mend, as one great
source of the evil is in a way of being removed, I
mean, the small pox; but the army have retreated
from place to place, till they are now got to Ticonderoga, opposite to which on the east side of the Lake
Champlain, they are about to establish a post, which
they say will be invulnerable; but whether it may
not be somewhat like the man who built a mill on account of a beautiful fall, and then had to consider
whether it was practicable to bring water to it, remains in some measure to be determined, as it is the
opinion of some, (I know nothing of the country myself,) that the enemy may pass this post and get into
Lake George without receiving the least annoyance
from  this work. Whether they would chuse to
leave a post in their rear, without establishing one
themselves, sufficient to keep it in awe, is the point in
question.
It gives me a very singular pleasure to hear of the
gallant behaviour of your young aids, and Mr. Jenifer,
as also of Colonels Moultrie and Thompson, to be the
means at any time, of rewarding merit, will add greatly
to my happiness; and whenever you can point out a
mode that can' be adopted consistently, you shall find
me very ready: but you know the temper of the troops
in this quarter, as well as I do, and how impracticable
it is to bring in a person, let his merit be ever so great,
without throwing a whole corps into confusion. This
will also apply to Captain Bullet. What vacancies
there may be in your department that he has his eye
to, and could be appointed to with propriety, you must
know better than I. That there is none here, I can
undertake to say. I have no doubt but the Congress
would annex the rank of colonel to his office of adju.
tant. I believe they have done it in the instance of
Griffin, who is appointed deputy adjutant to the flying
camp. If this would add any thing to his satisfaction,
I should have no objection to the mention of it. With




THE LEE PAPERS.             211
every wish fori your prosperity and success, I remain
with sincere regard,
Your most affectionate and obedient,
Go. WASHINGTON.
General Lee.
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Colonel Bull's, August 13, 1776.
DR Sin,
We are just return'd from Port Royal which I
thought it prudent to visit and inspect before we left
the Province-the place has so many natural advantages
for defence that few works will be necessary to put it
hors d'insult —I have given directions for improving the
Fort and the lines on the narrows when the Baron has
laid out the Redoubts and fleches agreed upon for Sullivan's Island, it will not be amiss if your Excellency
detaches him to make a thorough survey of Port Royal
and St Helena. I am told that the latter is still stronger by nature than the former, on which if two Redoubts
one at Capt Joiners house and another at a Bluff about a
mile below it are erected, nothing more in my opinion can
be added —inclos'd I send you an account of an advantage which the Fincastle Militia have obtain'd over the
Cherokees-the publication of it will give fresh encouragement to your Militia-The Congress have resolv'd
the warmest thanks to Colonel Moutrie and his brave
Garrison as well as to Col' Thompson and the Corps
under his command on the day of the attack —I set out
tomorrow early —On my return I hope to see some of
your Row Gallies on the stocks.
Adieu, D' Sir, Yours,
CHARLES LEE.
To His Excellency John Rutledge,
President of the State of South Carolina,.




212             THE LEE PAPERS.
FROMr GEN. ANDREW LEwVIs.
Williamsburg, August 13th 1776.
D- GENL
I think it highly necessary to inform you that two
of our Battalions are now on their March for the
Jerseys by express order of Congress to me directed.
They are designed as a Reinforcement to what they call
the Flying Camp opposite to Staten Island: wou'd it
not appear that Congress are fully of opinion that no
attempts will be made on Virginia, but upon what they
found their opinion I know not. From the best accounts I can collect our Troops on both sides Hutsans
River before the Enemys Camp are not less than 30,000
— the number of the Enemy not more than 10,000 —If
this be anything like a true state of the case it cannot
be supposed our Enemies can make much impression in
that Quarter. And is it not natural to suppose they
will, on being informed of our condition make an
attempt on this Quarter. This I mention by the biemy Business is to obey let the consequence be as it may.
The first and the third Battalions are those I have
ordered North, the time for which the first and second
Battalions were enlisted being nearly expired, I tho't it
a favourable opportunity to attempt listing the first as
the officers of that Battalion appeared extremely fond
of going to the Northward, and I have succeeded so well
that with the addition of 120 of the Eighth Battalion
they will be compleat. This unexpected Stroke of
being deprived of two Battalions has occasioned my
ordering the fifth from Portsmouth where the fourth
under the command of Col~ Steven is Fortifying. They
have 10 Cannon 24 lbers some of them mounted & will
in a short time have 8 or 10 more. We have scraped
out of the sand and Dirt at several Places about 30
Cannon exclusive of those at Portsmouth none of which
are less than 9 lbrs and after Burning and cleaning
appear to be extreamly good, such of them as we have




THE LEE PAPERS.             213
tried prove so. Six of them I shall have in a few days
mounted at York, and 3 or 4 at Gloster-Town, the
Batteries will be opposite to each other. The Cannon
we used against the Fleet and Camp at Gwinns Island
are still at the same Batteries and think it best they
shou'd remain so until circumstances make their removal
necessary-I have sent an officer of the Artillery to
hurry down shott from Frederick County Cole Lane
having orders some months past to have them cast as
we have more cannon than we expected, and the
Batteries very distant from each other-I wish an
augmentation of the Artillery Company, this I know
you Recommended to Congress, but am not informed of
any resolution on that head. The time which the
Second Regiment was enlisted for are nearly expiredthey refuse to inlist before they be discharged and go
home to see their friends. We shall have only the fifth
and sixth Regiments between the Rivers James and
York-the seventh being stationed in Gloucester County
and those are by sickness greatly reduced not less than
130 of a Battalion on an Average unfit for duty-It's
true we have six Companies of Minute Men stationed at
Hampton who are likewise very sickly and want much
to go home, and two Companies at York, who are in the
same bad Condition. As I said before I thought it my
duty to make you acquainted with the above circumstances that you might be better be able to Guard against
any stroke you might know aimed against this State.
Last Wednesday Dunmore with the remains of his Fleet
sailed out of our Capes where they divided. The armed
Vessels and others to the number of 20 steered northwardly, and about the same number to the South. This
of all he had left of 103 which cast anchor at Gwinns
Island owing to various causes, the great mortality
amongst both white and Black may be the chief. The
number of Vessels Crippled by the Cannonade with the
damage the worms did them contributed greatly. to
their Destruction. I hope the expedition set on foot
against the Cherokees will succeed —Our Rangers in




214              THE LEE PAPERS.
Fincastle County have killed 25 of them at different
places on Holston River without the loss of a man, and
have taken a much larger number of Rifles. We have
got by the arrival of a small vessel from St Eustatia
190 Half Barrels of Powder and 90 Stand of Arms-it
got in the Day the Fleet went out of our Capes. The
last letter I had from you is dated the 29th June which
gave the pleasing Accounts of the Glorious Repulse you
gave the Enemy.  My Compliments to Brigadiers
Armstrong and Howe.
I am Dear General
Your most Obedt and very Hble Servt
ANDREW LEWIS
Br Genl.
To General Lee.
FROM JOHN PAGE.
August ye 13th 1776.
MY DEAR GENERAL,
As Brigadier Lewis intends to send an Express to
you, with great Propriety in my Opinion I have determined to write by it, whatever may occur to me in
the few Minutes I now can snatch, for I am still pestered with Business. The Brigadier will inform you
of the order from Congress to march two of your Battalions from hence to the Jerseys-I shall only observe
that this added to the Indian War, and a few other
circumstances will make a fine opening for Clinton to
make a Push here as he can make nothing of you.
However, if he should I hope it will only prove a Bait
for him. I suppose before this you must have heard of
our success against the Cherokees-they have received
a severe check-In the several little skirmishes with
them our men behaved well & have killed 25, and
wounded many more without the loss of a man. We
have appointed Colonel Christian, Commander on the
Expedition by the request of Co' Russell & the consent




THIE LEE -PAPERS.,          215
of Col. Lewis whom- we had at first pitched upon for
that Business —He will have 1450 Virginians, & 300
North Carolinians are to join him on Holston at Stalnickers —I have received a Letter this day from Col.
Russel dated the 6that Captn Shelby's near the Place of
the late Skirmish from which I find nothing new has happened but that they have been informed by one Thos Price
who lately escaped from the Cherokees that the Indians
have large Magazines of Powder &~ at a little Town
called Hinwassa. Now [that] I mention Powder I
must ask you whether a Sloop one Martin Commander
has not brought a Quantity of Powder to Cbha" Town,
for such a Person was to have called at Chas Town
with 14000 it for Virginia —this is worth enquiring
after, although we have at present a tolerable good
stock, having received last week from St Eustatia 85001b
— in the little Boat which brought this Powder come
Passenger an Hessian Gentn who offers his service in
our Army, having seen as he says a great deal of service
& acted as a Lieut in the last War. He is very anxious
to meet the Hessians, & does not seem to doubt that
they may be all prevailed upon to come over to us.
He says that he expects that a Relation of his one
Christopher Howsman a Major of the Fusiliers will be
amongst the Troops sent over & seems to make sure of
him.-however he has been 18.Months in the West Indies. He is going immediately to Phila.
There are two french Gentlemen here who were
bringing. in powder & Arms with Medicines, & were
taken by Lord Dunmore & treated very roughly-they
happened to be on Gwyn's Island when the Fleet was
forced to retire & concealed themselves from the Enemy
when they were flying from the Island, & by that
means made their Escape & delivered themselves up
to our Men-they appear to be modest sensible men —
one of them who calls himself the Chevalier De St Aubin agent servie dans Le Regiment de la feronnay
Dragon, says he has had the pleasure'of seeing you 2
or 3 Times & thinks if he could see you again you




2 1 6           THE LEE PAPERS.
would recollect him —he is very desirous of going to
Charles Town to be examined by you, but as we expect
you will shortly return here, we have advised Mr St
Aubin to wait'till we can hear from you, in the meantime he agrees to assist in training a Troop of Horse,
& says he will act as Cadet'till he can give you Proofs
of his Abilities & Right to expect some Post of Rank
in the Troop. The other French Gentleman is determined to return to Martinique —I would ask you to
write your opinion what we should do for these Gents
if I did not hope to see you soon, for I take it for
granted that Clinton has left Chas Town by this Time.
Dunmore has at length quitted Virginia —some say he
is dead, but there is no certainty of this. The Enemy
endeavoured to land at Cape Henry but were repulsed
With the loss of a Boat by a Party of Men Col. Stephen had sent down for that Purpose on hearing that
the Fleet was coming down the Bay. For Gods sake if
you do not come let us hear oftener from you-it is
above a month since we recd a Line from you —Present
my Complts to our Friends & believe me to be
Yours Sincerely
JOHN PAGE.
To General Lee.
HENRY LAURENS TO JOHN LAURENS.
Charlestown, So Carolina 14 Augt 1776.
Uncommon and exceedingly mortifying, my Dear
Son, has been the late long interruption in our correspondence I find that I have not put [pen] to paper in
any address to you since the 29th April and unless
certain letters referred to in the subjoined list have
reached you, I have no ground to hope that you have
learned anything concerning me since November last —
in the mean time, after long and anxious waiting I have




THE LEE PAPERS.             217
had the pleasure of receiving your Letters of the 5th
Decem. from St Augustine and of 20th March by
the hand of Mr. Read, but that which you say was
sent via Virginia frank'd by the Post Master came no
nearer to me than Cockspur, where it was either destroyed or returned in the Packet, if Govr Wright who
was there had been- possessed of any feelings he would
have sent a Son's letter to a Father notwithstanding the
opposition of their political tenets.
Once more I will attempt to present my Love to
you by the hands of Monsr Rilliet who poor gentleman
is making another effort after many disappointments to
regain a footing on his native soil, you will see in the
schedule of letters, he is already the bearer of several
to you, which are now perhaps not worth Carriage. I
have not time to review then and since they are written and packetted let them go.
I told you in my last that I was going to Georgia.
I began my journey the V1t May and at Wright's Savanna Broton Island & New Hope, found Crops of
Rice amounting to about 1300 Barrels which I caused
to be removed to places less exposed to the threatened
depredations of picaroons from St. Augustine in such
places that great value still remains. I have lately
learned that each Plantation is again well covered —the
best Crop they say that ever was borne at Broton
Island —but what of that? The whole will either be
destroyed stolen or lie with the farmer,to perish by
time and Vermin-no small sacrifice at the shrine of
Liberty, and yet very small compared with that which
I am willing to make —not only Crops, but Land, Life
and All must follow, in preference to sacrificing Liberty
to Mammon. In such sentiments I found the people of
Georgia withl a few exceptions, but none more hearty
than our Highland friends, the McIntoshes. Lachlan is
Colonel of a Battalion upon Continental establishment,
two of his sons Lach, and William are subs. His brother William commands a troop of Rangers in Pay of
the Colony or as I should now say the State. Jos.




~218            THE LEE PAPERS-.
Habersham is Major & John a Captain in- the Battalion, in a word the Country is Military.
My negroes there all to a Man are strongly attached
to me, so are all of mine in this Country; hitherto not
one of them has attempted to desert, on the contrary
those who are most exposed hold themselves always
ready to fly from the Enemy in case of a sudden descent —many hundreds of that Colour have been stolen and decoyed by the Servants of King George the
Third —Captains of British Ships of War and Noble
Lords have busied themselves in such inglorious pilferage to the disgrace, of their Master and disgrace of
their Cause.-These Negroes were first enslaved by the
English-Acts of Parliament have established the Slave
Trade in favour of the home residing English and
almost totally prohibited the Americans from reaping
any share of it-Men of War, forts, Castles, Governors, Companies and Committees are employed and
authorized by the English Parliament to protect regulate and extend the Slave Trade.' Negroes are brought
by Englishmen and sold as slaves to Americans-Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, &c &c live
upon the Slave Trade. The British Parliament now
employ their Men of War to steal those Negroes from
the Americans to whom they sold them, pretending to
set the poor wretches free, but basely trepan and sell
them into tenfold worse Slavery in the West Indies,
where probably they will become the property of
Englishmen again and of those who sit in Parliament;
what meanness! what complicated wickedness appears
in this scene! O England, how changed! how fallen!
You know, my dear Son, I abhor Slavery. I was
born in a Country where Slavery had been established
by British Kings and Parliaments as wtll as by the
laws of that Country Ages before my existence, I found
the Christian Religion and Slavery growing under the
same authority and cultivation.-I nevertheless disliked
it —in former days there was no combatting the prejudices of Men supported by Interest, the day I hope is




THE LEE PAPERS.             2219
approaching when from principles of gratitude as well
as justice every Man will strive to be foremost. in shewing his readiness to comply with the Golden Rule; not
less than ~20000 stg. would all my Negroes produce if
sold at public Auction tomorrow. I am not the man
who enslaved them, they are indebted to English Men
for that favour, nevertheless I am devising means for
manumitting many of them and for cutting off the entail
of Slavery — great powers oppose me; the Laws and
Customs of my Country, my own and the avarice of my
countrymen-What will my Children say if I deprive
them of so much Estate? these are difficulties but not
insuperable. I will do as much as I can in my time
and leave the rest to a better hand. I am not one of
those who arrogate the peculiar care of Providence in
each fortunate event, nor one of those who dare trust in
Providence for defence and security of their own Liberty
while they enslave and wish to continue in Slavery,
thousands who are as well intitled to freedom as themselves. I perceive the work before me is great. I shall
appear to many as a promoter, not only of strange but
of dangerous doctrines, it will therefore be necessary to
proceed with caution, you are apparently deeply interested in this affair, but as I have no doubt of your concurrence and approbation I most sincerely wish for
your advice and assistance & hope to receive both in
good time.
I finished my Journey, going round by Mepkin, and
returned to Charles Town the 1st June half an hour
after I had entered my house Intelligence was brought
of a Fleet at Anchor a little to the Northward of
Charles Town Bar for the History of this Fleet I refer
you to Jack Wills's paper of the 2d inst. and to certain
notes which I have added, his account although, true in
general substance is the most bungling and inaccurate of
any thing I have seen from him, it would be easier to
build a true and proper narrative at full length than to
mend the botchery which he took a full month to compose. I wish you or somebody else would publish a




220             THE LEE PAPERS.
fair and honest compilation from his Gazette and my
papers-You know me too well to suppose I would in
a tittle exaggerate or suppress. You may add as much
of what follows as may appear to be necessary, but let
the whole be cleverly done and introduced by such declarations of candor as these accounts are well entitled
to-nothing more abhorrent to me than publications of
falsehood for Truth.
Upon the tremendous range of 55 Sail of Hostile
Ships before our doors and in full view, after wishing
they had rather come as seekers for freights of Rice, I
thought it my duty to add to the dignity of Vice President of the Colony (now State observe) the several
offices of Engineer, Super Intendant of Works, Aid de
Camp, and occasionally any other which could in the
least contribute to the service of my Country then
seeming to verge on a precipice and to require the support of every Man in it.-I who you know had resolved
never again to mount a horse, I who thought it impossible for me to Gallop five miles a day, was seen for a
month and more every day on the back of a lively Nag
at 4 past 4 in the morning some times Galloping 20
Miles before breakfast and some times sitting the Horlse
14 Hours in 18 —& what you will say was more extraordinary I never got a tumble. But mark he was a
trotting horse I will never cross a pacer again if I can
avoid it-I have spoken so particularly of myself, not
meaning to claim any singular or extraordinary merit,
but because I know you will draw pleasing inferences
of my state of health from an account of such exertions
-the President was as diligent as active as a man could
be'& so much more useful than myself as his authority,
superior abilities and advantages of youth enabled him,
every Man except a few unhappy misled whom the People call Tories and a few of a worse stamp whom I call
property men, was animated, discovered a Love of
Country and a boldness arising from an assurance of
being engaged in a just cause; Charles Town was in a
a very short time inclosed by Lines, Trenches, and Re



THE LEE PAPERS.             221
doutes-~Wharves were cleared of all incumbrances,
Streets strongly barricaded —retrenchments withinBatteries erected for defence at practicable Landings
above the town —Thousands of Men came in from the
Country, from North Carolina and Virginia and all
this with a degree of celerity as amazing as our former
neglect had been, much indeed are we indebted to Gen.
Lee as well. as to his seconds the Brigadiers Armstrong
and Howe, these arrived at a critical time and we were
favoured by weather which fortunately withheld the
Enemy from striking a sudden blow and every moment
of the interval was improved to advantage on our side.
Gen1 Lee at first sight was exceedingly displeased
with the Fort at Sullivant's wished we could save our
Stores and abandon it, although he acknowledged the
exterior work was impregnable; however as that could
not be done, he recommended some amendments, gave
advice, Orders and his presence in the beginning of the
action to which if we do not altogether owe the honor
of the 28 June we are certainly greatly indebted  but
from the General's better knowledge of the Harbour
and the vast importance of that post he must now be of
a different opinion.
At the approach of the ships of war towards Sullivant's the ramparts and parapets of Fort Johnson
where Col~ Gadsden had chosen his command were seen
covered by officers and soldiers, every one interesting
himself in the fate of the sister Fortress and standing
ready in case of need to second her efforts. All the
Batteries round this Town were at the same time
manned, Guns loaded, every article in readiness for acting in turn. Troops of regulars and Militia properly
stationed for repelling all attempts to land, Engines
and Men at proper stands for extinguishing Fires in
the town —there was every appearance of an universal
determination to give General James Grant the flat
lie, it was the fortune of his old friend Will. Moultrie
to speak first and he monopolized the glory of the Day.
The country Militia as well as the town continued




222              THE LEE PAPERS.
chearfully to do duty on this Frontier as long, as one of
the Enemies' Fleet remained in sight-The Active was
the last, who with a tender went about ten days ago to
Bull's Island the property of Captain Shubrick landed
40 White and 20 Black Men, killed by platoon firing a
few head of Cattle, augmented their Black Guard by
stealing six more negroes and then sailed off the coast
or perhaps only a little out sight. To hear Shubrick's
overseer relate the manner of their firing on the cattle
and the very few of their shot which hit the mark, is
droll enough and serves to raise the contempt of those
who with single ball at 150 yards distance will hit the
circle of an English cirown.
After the attack on Sullivant's Island seconded by
Ravages and murders by the Cherokee Indians on our
Western frontier who probably acted in a concerted
plan with the ships and troops I believe there were few
men here who had not lost all inclination for renewingc
our former connexion with your King and his ministers.
However that might have been, the great point is now
settled-On the 2d. inst. a Courier arrived from Philadelphia and brought a declaration of the 4th. July by
the representatives of the 13 United Colonies in Congress
met, that from thenceforward those Colonies should
be "Free and Independent States."  You have no doubt
seen the paper or will in a few days see a Copy often
repeated at full length, therefore I need -not mark the
particular contents, this Declaration was proclaimed in
Charles Town with great solemnity on Monday the 5th
Inst. attended by a Procession of President, Councils,
Generals, Members of Assembly Officers Civil & Military &c &c amidst loud acclamations of thousands who
always huzza when a proclamation is read. —To many
who from the Rashness, Impolicy and Cruelty of the
British Administration had foreseen this event-the
scene was serious, important and awful —even at this
moment I feel a Tear of affection for the good old
Country and for the people in it whom in general I
dearly love. —There I saw that Sword of State which I




THE LEE PAPERS.              223
had before seen four several times unsheathed in
Declarations of War against France and Spain by the
Georges now unsheathed and borne in a Declaration of
War against George the Third. I say even at this moment my heart is full of the lively sensations of a dutiful Son, thrust by the hand of Violence out of a Father's house into the Wide world. What I have often with
truth averred in London and Westminster, I dare still
aver, not a sober Man and scarcely a single Man in
America wished for separation from  Great Britain.
Your King too, I feel for, he has been greatly deceived
and abused.
Soon after the Men of War had anchored within our
Bar, alarming accounts were brought of new attempts
by John Stuart, Henry Stuart, Alexander Cameron
and other Ministerial Agents to stir up the Savage Indians to attack our Western frontier, several Intercepted Letters from them confirmed the reports —the
Indians and particularly the Cherokees had amused us
by the most flattering talks, full of assurances of
friendship and promises. to follow our advice which
always had been that they should observe a strict
neutrality-but very suddenly, without any pretence
to provocation those treacherous Devils in various
parties headed by White Men and pushed on by those
who are in employment for this cruel purpose, made
an Inroad upon our settlements, burned several houses
and murdered about sixty persons chiefly Women and
Children.  Col' Aw Williamson in South, Brigadier
Rutherford in North Carolina were immediately in
Arms and a large Command marched from Virginia
what Rutherford and the Virginia Troops have done
we are not yet informed'but Colonel Williamson and
his parties have driven back the Savages of the lower
Towns killed as many as could be come at in fight and
taken some prisoners among whom are no less than
15 White men, they have also destroyed Sennecca,
Keowee, Warrachy, Estatokee, Toxawa and Sugar
Town together with the Crops of Corn and other grain




2 24             THE LEE PAPERS.
found in fields and Barns, the only possible way of reducing the barbarians. This intelligence comes- from
Col~ Williamson in late Letters. If the Virginians act
their part well, the Cherokees will soon be reduced to
the utmost distress and may possibly turn their vengeance against those hellish Instigators to this Hellish
Tar. At the entrance of Senneca a new Town which I
am told was very extensive on the Banks of Keowee,
Colonel Williamson suffered from an ambuscade, his
Horse by two shot was killed under him. Mr. Salvador a gentleman whose death is universally regretted
was killed by his side, eight men wounded, two of
whom are since dead. He nevertheless rallied his
Troops, attacked the Savages beat them out and after
destroying a town of near four miles long marched forward-he is undoubtedly a brave man and not a bad
General-you know his deficiency in Education, what
heighths might he have reached if he could have improved his Genius by Reading. If we succeed against
the Cherokees the Creeks and other Indians may continue to be simple spectators of our contest with
British Ships and Soldiers, otherwise we shall be attacked on all sides and greatly distressed —but men
here are fearless of distress and determined to maintain
their Rights, trusting in a Righteous God for a happy
issue.
I told you in a former letter of the dangerous Insurrection by thousands of the back country people,
these were suppressed by the vigilance and activity of
Colo. Williamson in a first instance and in a second and
more formidable by Colonel Richardson and troops
from North Carolina-hundreds or more properly
thousands were taken prisoners, informed truly of the
nature of the dispute between Great Britain and the
Colonies converted and sent to their habitations, about
an hundred of their Colonels, Captains and other officers (from whence it appears the whole body was very
large) were brought to Charlestown, these except 13 or
1-4 of the most tenacious soon confessed their errors




THE. LEE PAPERS.            225
united in the American Cause and also returned homo
-of the 13 or 14 were some sensible men particularly
their chief colonel Robert Cunningham, a man of great
honour, whose conscience as he said fettered him in the
oath of allegiance although he admitted the injustice
of taxing Americans without their own consent, & censured the British administration; he often moved me
while I was President of the Council of Safety and
often since the President of the Colony to accept from
him and his companions an oath of Neutrality, he
would not at first believe that the British Administration
were so wicked as to -instigate the savages to War
against us-as soon therefore as he was convinced of
the truth his conscience freed him from old obligations
and he most heartily desired to take the oath of fidelity
to the United Colonies and to have an opportunity of
giving proofs of his sincerity, his fellow prisoners
joined him in a petition to the President & Council,
who ordered. the whole to be released-they immediately repaired to Col~ Williamson's Camp and offered
their service, but he considering their long absence from.
their several homes recommended to them the care of
their families Not all however whom we have enlarged have continued faithful, some of the common
fellows have quoted the example of Sir James and
broke their parol-most of these are now among the
Indians, some of them have again been taken prisoners
and must suffer the penalty of an old law. Kirkland
you may have heard made his Escape when he left his
Son a child of 10 or 12 years old in Gaol-we know
nothing of him since his flight —possibly this ignorant
fellow may have found his way to St. James's he was
confident of a hearty welcome there and of much free
conversation with the Master of that House-If he
was Honest, he might make a tolerable Serjeant but
anything less than a Regiment will fall short of his
own. Mark.
The Reverend Mr Cooper, from time to time gave
offence to his Parishioners and they have dismissed
VOL. II.-15




226             THE LEE PAPERS.
him. The King's Officers, that is to say the AttY General, Chief and Assistant Judges, Postmaster and Mr.
Outerbridge are confined to the Postmaster's House the
late Commander of Fort Johnson and tbe Collector are
at large on their parol, W Wragy remains at his plantation and lately James Brisbane and some seven or
eight others of our Neighbors who had signed the As.
sociation & acknowledged the Justice of the American
Cause but refused to do anything which might endanger their property in case of Conquest by the other side
(these and some who play a still more cunning Game
are property men) were sent to Cheraw Goal-the success of the 28 June made some converts and those,Gentlemen in particular advanced so far as to consent
to bear Arms, take the Test Oath, &c but still under
the Air of Obedience to avail themselves of the plea of
compulsion and to save property-such Men deserve no
station of honor on either side. I can have no pity for
these, while I sincerely commiserate the circumstances
of the King's Officers and of every suffering candid
man, although he may be mine Enemy.
Mrs. Stuart, the wife of the cruel Superintendent
had been long confined to her lhouse and hindered from
leaving the Colony, the people had hoped that Stuart
would in the case of his own have had some tender
feelings for the Wives and innocent children of our
friends on the Indian Frontier, but when we found that
he had struck the blow; instead of retaliating as his
friends ever do, the President and Privy Council ordered Mrs. Stuart to be enlarged; no valuable end
could be obtained by a continuance of her suffering.
America is now well supplied with Gun Powder
and Arms and every Day will probably increase our
Commerce by slow steps.
The General Assembly is to meet on the 17th. September when the Declaration of Independence will be
recorded among our Acts and every salutary measure
pursued for the Welfare of the State. To tell you the
Virginians had routed Lord Dunmore, that North Car



THE LEE PAPERS.             2 2 7
olina is very quiet, Maryland and Philadelphia as yet
unmolested, New York likely to become the seat of
War for this Summer, that Boston is now secured to us
by strong Fortifications, that the New England Privateers had made prizes of several Transport Ships and
prisoners of many hundred Highland Soldiers would
probably be to relate what you will know before this
can reach you-but it may be new to you, that'Gen.
Lee and Gen1 Howe went last week to Georgia, whence
some expedition.is intended to the Southward-the
season of the year and some other circumstances are not
so favorable as to give me sanguine hopes of success;
and you will feel some concern when I tell you, we expect another visit by the British Ships and Troops in
the;Winter Months.
I have now gone through with much Intelligence
such as it is, don't wonder if I tell you I write in haste.
I had determined to take time by the forelock and to
have saved four or five days for writing to my friends
in England but some unexpected public calls and the
long sickness of my good Man James I am reduced to
one and I must copy for different conveyances, however I have a few words more to add. —I am now by
the Will of God brought into a new World and God
only knows what sort of a World it will be-what may
be your particular opinion of this change I know not.
You have done well to avoid writing on politics. Remember you are of full age entitled to judge for yourself. Pin not your faith upon my sleeve, but act the
part which an Honest Heart after mature deliberation
shall dictate and your services on the side which you
may take, because you think it the right side, will be
the more valuable.
I need not tell you whatever may be your determination to avoid all party disputes and to act inoffensively and circumspectly in the State where you areI cannot rejoice in the downfall of an old friend of a
parent from whose nurturing breasts I have drawn my
support and strength, every Evil which befalls old




228             THE LEE PAPERS.
England grieves me, would to God she had listened in
time to the cries of her children and had checked the
Insidious Slanders of Men who call themselves the
King's Servants and the King's friends, especially such
of them as had been transported to America in the character of Civil Officers. If my own Interests, if my own
Rights alone had been concerned I would most freely
have given the whole to the demands and disposal of
her Ministers in preference to a separation, but the
Rights of Posterity were in question. I happened to
stand as one of their Representatives and dared not betray my trust.
I am now more than ever anxious to see you,'to see
my Dear Harry and your Sisters, to see your Uncle
and Aunt -but when and where? God direct you for
the best —but pay particular attention to those friends
especially to your eldest Sister and to Harry, your
other Sister is at an age and has qualities to make her
Foster Mother happy. I could add very much on this
head-but clouds and Darkness are before me.
Remember me respectfully to each of my old friends,
tell them that as an Individual I have a right to acknowledge my obligations to them and that I will take every
opportunity of shewing my Regard, and although I hold
my Life by a most precarious tenure yet I trust in God we
shall meet again as friends, particularly inform both the
Mr Cowles's that I will when it is possible look into our
accounts and adjust them-it has not been in my power
to do so since my arival from England. Mr William
Cowles will do me the justice to own that'tis not my
fault those accounts were left unsettled. I had often
wrote to him for them, I made one journey to Bristol for
the sole purpose of settling them, and when I was leaving the Kingdom, I again took Bristol in my way to Falmouth for the same purpose I waited there to the very last
hour for saving my passage in the Paeket- and did not
receive the papers from him till I had kept the Post
Chaise long in waiting at my door and in despair was
just stepping into it. My friend is to blame on this score.




THE LEE PAPERS.            229
I am glad you continue with Mr. Bicknel and your
brother with Mr. Henderson, frugality is essential to you
both, consider I cannot supply you while the Sword of
Britain remains unsheathed. Improve every moment of
your time my dear son and continue your guidance and
protection to your Brother and your Sisters, your respect
and Duty to your distressed Uncle and Aunt. I feel
much for them, may God protect and guide you all and
may he still give Peace and mutual friendship to the divided family of Britain and promote the happiness
equally of the ancient Root and of the transplanted
branches.-If you do not come enquire for opportunities
in Holland and in France, and write as oft as you can& Harry too.
Adieu! My Dear, Dear Son,
HENRY LAURENS.
Why do you never say a word of M. B.
Mr. John Laurens.
LETTERS REFERRED TO.
26 Nov. and 6 Decem by Rainier from Georgia.
4th 8th & 16th January by Mr. Rilliet. Copies by
Snw Mobile Capt. Smith.
22d Feburary 6 & 14 March by Mr. Rilliet. Copies
by Mr. Demar via West Indies.
16th and 19th March by Mr. Rilliet.
26 28 and 28 March by Mr. Sandy Wright to be
forwarded through St. Augustine.
29 April by Mr. Rilliet.
Endorsed: "14 August 1776 Charlestown"




230              TilE LEE PAPERS.
To GENERAL JOHN ARMSTRONG.
Purisbourg, August ye 1 5, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL,
One hundred and forty seven of Colonel Mughlenburghs Regiment with two Captains and three subalterns are left sick at Charlestown; as fast as they
recover I must request you to order,'em back to Williamsburg where they are to aggregate themselves with
Capt. Cochrane's Company of that Regiment-it will
be politick to apprize them of their destination, for as I
have reason to think that the Devil of Desertion has
in some measure possess'd'em, their being acquaint'd
that they are to return home, will be the means of casting out the Daemon -You will likewise inform Brigadier General Lewis of- this step who will dispose of'em
at his discretion.
As I am told from the best authority that a prodigious quantity of powder is arrived in Virginia and
Maryland, I wish you wou'd by the first opportunity
send two more Tons to Georgia; write to N. Carolina
to replace it, and to Virginia to replace theirs-Your
letters to the Councils or Committees of those Pro.
vinces will be sufficient.  I am and shall be so extremely busyed in our present expedition that you must
be saddled with the detail of such matters.
I hope the Baron has already set himself to work
on the Redoubts on Sullivan's Island and the Screen for
the Bridge-it is my opinion that the two bridges must
be preserved, and tnat in order to prevent the communication betwixt the Fort and the old bridge being cut
off, a chain of small redoubts capable of containing a
subaltern and thirty each with two pieces of cannon
shou'd be erected in such a manner that the most distant may be commanded by its next neighbor-the
second by the third, and the third by that of the
fourth-I mention four at a venture, but as I am not
accurately acquainted with the exact distance from the




THE LEE PAPERS.             231
Fort to the Bridge, perhaps five or six will be necessary
-when I speak of this Chain of Redoubts being commanded each by its neighbour I mean that the face or
flank presented to its neighbour shod be so weak or
slender that the enemy cannot make a lodgment in any
one of them; as the Cannon of the next must drive'em out shou'd they take possession of it —inclos'd is a
rough sketch of my idea —without this Chain of Forts,
Sullivan's Island will be a very precarious Post —It is
at best a damnable one.
I beg you will present my compliments to the
President and inform him that as I found Richmonds
Militia falling down every day, I order'd'em from Port
Royal to their respective homes-They are a fine body
of men, and it wou'd have been monstrous not to have
a regard for their preservation. —My respects to Conner, and believe me Dr General, to be entirely
Yours
CHARLES LEE.
To Brigadier Genl. Armstrong.
ORDERS TO LIEUT. BERRIAN.,
Savanna Augt 18th 1776.
SIR,
You are to proceed from hence to Beaufort with
two Prisoners, Peter Backup and James Loftin-You
are to be extremely vigilant that they do not escape, for
which reason you are to keep'em in irons at least during
the Night, and place trusty Centinels over them —When
you arrive at Beaufort you are to deliver them into the
hands of Colonel Bull or Officer commanding the place
from whom you are to demand a receipt.
CHARLES LEE
Major General
To Lieutt Berrian.




232             THE LEE PAPERS.
To COLONEL BULL.
Savanna, August 18th 1776.
SIR,
Lieutt Berrian of the Georgian Battalion has Orders
to deliver into your custody the notorious Backup, a
most pernicious,- active Instrument of Royal Villany.
I must request that you will be extremely careful in taking necessary measures to prevent his escape-That you.
will detach a sufficient number of men with a trusty
officer from your Corps of Militia who are to deliver
him into the hands of His Excellency the President —it
will be prudent to keep him at least during the Night
in Irons.
I am Sir Your most obt humble Servt
CHARLES LEE
P. S. A James Loftin born in America taken by
Capt. Baker and a worthy adjunct of Mr. Backup is
coupled to him, of whom I must desire you will take
equal care. He is one of Tonyns Lieutenants.
To Col. Bull,
Officer Commanding at Beaufort.
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Savanna, 18th August 1776.
DR SIR,
I ought to be asham'd of myself for a gross mistake
or piece of distraction I have been guilty of; I had
taken into my head that in the detachment arranged for
Georgia that Thompson's Regiment was only to furnish
eighty and that Capt" Harden's whole Company was to
march-On this supposition I order'd Harden's whole
Company to embark —I afterwards in looking in my




THE LEE PAPERS.              233
Note Book (for I had not my Note Book with me in
Port Royal) perceived my mistake and I once more
confess my shame for so great a one.
I have by the desire of some of the Gentlemen here
order'd the notorious Backup with a worthy adjunct
(as great a Rascal as himself) one Loftin (calling himself a Lieutenant of the Royal Rangers of East Florida)
to Beaufort under a strong guard-from thence he will
be convey'd to Charlestown where yr Excellency will
dispose of him according to your discretion.
Tomorrow we are to have a Council —I will inform
you of the result and the measures I shall pursue in
consequence of it —en attendantI am, Dr Sir, Most sincerely yours,
CHARLES LEE.
To His EXCY Jno Rutledge,
President of the State of South Carolina.
CONFERENCE WITH THE GEORGIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Tuesday, August 19, 1776.
GENERAL LEE waited on the Board, and proposed
the following questions for their consideration:
1st Whether, as the post on St Mary's is now
abandoned, and the whole country between that river
and the St Johns broke up, and as there is no possibility
of transporting cannon, ammunition, provisions, or collecting a sufficient number of men for the siege and
reduction of Augustine, an irruption into East-Florida
can be productive of so great and important advantages
to the general cause, or to this state of Georgia in
particular, as to compensate for the trouble and expense,
and what these advantages are? What are the means
of certainly supplying the troops with grain and meat?
how their baggage is to be transported? whether it can




2,34             THE LEE PAPERS.
be safely transported by water? if it cannot, whether
wagons can pass? if the road is practicable only to
horses, how pack-saddles are to be provided?
Ordered, That Messrs Jonathan Bryan and Nathan
Bronson be a Committee to answer the questions proposed by General Lee.
SIR:
The Council having taken into consideration your
Excellency's questions this day laid before them, are
clearly of opinion that an irruption into the Province of
East Florida will be attended with the most salutary
consequences to this Province, and of course render
service to the whole Continent.
The reasons which weigh with them are as follow:
1st That they conceive the reduction of Augustine to
be a very considerable object with the Continent in
general, but this Province in particular.
2d They are led to hope, that if the whole country
around is ravaged, the cattle on the east side of St.
John's driven off, and the inhabitants obliged to evacuate their plantations and fly into the, Castle, the scarcity of provisions and the want of fresh supplies of
many articles from the country, will of itself oblige the
garrison to submit to our arms.
3d That supposing this last consequence'not to
happen, yet the driving our enemies so far from our
country will be of infinite advantage in this, that it will
be a means of preventing the loss of Negroes, either by
desertion or otherwise by land.
4th That the country being in our possession, will
not only, from principles of dread, attach the Indians to
our interest, but also put it in our power to prevent our
enemies from holding any intercourse with these savages,
or having any opportunity to tamper with them, or
supply or stir them up against us. And we conceive
that after the Province shall be so broke up, a single
troop of Horse, appointed to range on the west side of
the river St. John's, will be quite sufficient to cut off all




THE LEE PAPERS.              2351
communication between the Creek Indians and the people of East Florida.
5th By carrying distress and war into the country, we
incline to think the inhabitants of East-Florida will find
themselves so much engaged at home as not to be able
to fit out privateers against this Province till we are
better prepared for them. This Province has been harassed, and they expect to be much more so, with privateers, in case some vigorous blow is not struck against
East Florida; and we are inclined to think the plunder
which will fall into the hands of the soldiers will compensate them for the difficulty and toil attending their
march.
As to the other question, viz: What are the means
of certainly supplying the troops with grain and meat?
how is the baggage to be transported safely by water?
-we are of opinion, that while the troops remain on
this side of the river Alatamaha, there will be no occasion to do more than send a Commissary ahead to provide rice and beef at different stages, as the troops advance, the country all along abounding with provisions,
after they pass this river. We think it will be necessary to send a quantity of rice in.boats, with directions
to meet the troops at different places; and we are informed that these boats may go with great safety, there
being an excellent. inland passage to a place called Pic.
alatto Creek, less than twenty miles from  St. Augustine. We imagine these boats must be procured in or
about Savannah or Sunbury, and therefore we would
recommend that the troops send such of their baggage
as they can't conveniently carlry in these boats. Some
horses will certainly be necessary for troops upon their
march, which, together with pack horses, we think may
be got in this place.  Wagons wTill be useless, as they
cannot proceed above fifty miles from this town.




236              THE LEE PAPERS.
To PRESIDENT RUTLEDGE.
Charlestown, August 20th 1776.
DEAR SIR,
I suppose you have heard of'the Enemy's having
abandoned thr Post on the River St Mary and withdrawing all their stock and slaves within the River St
John's wch will naturally contract the plan of our operations. We have neither cannon, ammunition, men
sufficient, nor the means of transport to undertake the
siege of St Augustine, so the whole will I believe conelude in an incursion of insult tomorrow I shall fix on
the number of Troops and the Officer to command the
expedition. I shall then return to Charlestown, and
arrange finally with you everything necessary to security against a second visit: Capt. Joiner has arm'd a
small boat with swivels and a gun at the Bow which,
on a larger scale will I am persuaded answer admirably
for the defence of rivers. I wish the scheme may be
adopted by your province in conjunction with the Gallies proposed will put you in a situation to laugh at
their Tenders. You must excuse the shortness of this
Letter as it is very late, so wishing you good night, I
must desire you to believe me to be, Dr Sir, most sincerely yours,
CHARLES LEE.
To The Hon. John Rutledge.
FROM PRESIDENT RUTLIEDGE.
August 20th 1776.
DR SIR,
I thank you for the Intelligence contained in yours
of the 13th Instant. By Letters from Col. Williamson,
dated the 5th we are informed that he had burned five
of the Cherokee Indian Towns, laid waste their adjoin



THE LEE PAPERS.             237
ing Fields which had plentiful Crops of Corn & was
on his march to some other Towns higher up the Nation. The last accounts of the North Carolina Troops
say they had not marched, but were to rendezvous the
13th instant at Quaker Meadows The Congress will not
agree to the Georgia Proposal for giving Presents
of Cattle to the Creeks-Our delegates say that, in
Consequence of my Letter to them, your Case having
been mentioned to Congress, a Committee upon it had
been appointed —The following is an Extract from Mr
Sam' Adams's Letter to me on that subject. "July 25
-Your Proposal with regard to Gen. Lee coincides
with my Inclination and Judgment. There is no one,
more heartily disposed to gratify that Gentleman's
Wishes than I am & I think to omit it in this Instance
Wd be hardly just —It has been moved in Congress & I
have reason to believe the matter will be speedily compleated to your satisfaction." The Bearer, Rogers, has
the Care of several stocks of Cattle in Georgia belonging to Mr Williamson, a Gentleman of this Town.
He makes heavy Complaints of the Inattention of the
Georgians, & their not taking the necessary steps to
prevent the Enemy at Augustine supplying themselves
wth Cattle from the Southern part of Georgia, which are
now wholly exposed to their Depredations, where the
Cattle are very numerous. He says a Troop of Horse
was, some time ago stationed, a little beyond Sitilla
River to protect the Cattle between that & St Marys
-that this Troop was so negligent of their duty, that
a party of 30 Men from Augustine actually came into
their very Camp & carried off 6 of them Prisoners, and
that they have lately removed 40 Miles to the Northward of Sitilla. They were, as formerly stationed, a
very poor Cover, not being far enough to the Southward,
but now there is none at all —Rogers says the Enemy
have drove off near 4000 Head of Cattle, but that many
of'em being as yet only a little way over St Johns
River, may be brought back, if attempts to get them are
made soon. He is I believe a man of Credit, and can




~2.38            THE LEE PAPERS.
give you many particulars which it would be too tedious to write. Indeed Williamson suspects, & does not
scruple to declare his opinion, that such strange Conduct is owing to some Scotch Folks in Georgia & in
Augustine, but this entre nous8-Hbwever    X 
To THE PRESIDENT AND COUNCIL OF THE STATE OF
GEORGIA.
Savannah, August 23rd 1776.
GENTLEMEN,
It is certainly my duty, and I can assure you it is
not less my inclination to put the Province in a State of
Security —the proper means of effecting this security, I
am in quality of Commander in Chief of the District to
judge of. I shall never think myself under an obligation of specifying in detail my intentions-but only
make requisitions of the materials which appear necessary to the end —to explain myself in particulars wou'd
be inevitably to defeat my purposes. I hope, Gentlemen, therefore that I shall not be thought arrogant in
confining myself to simple requisitions, but that you
will consider the part I act in its proper light, that of
a~: prudent Servant of the Public determin'd to render it
all the service possible —On this principle I must request that Mr Bryant and Mr. Joyner may be supplied
with the number and sort of boats they shall fix upon,
and that all the Carpenters be order'd to work under
their direction and not subjected to the Counter orders
of any other man or set of men whatever.
I am Gentlemen &~
CHARLES LEE.
To His Excellency Archibald Bullock, President
and the Gentlemen of the Council of the State
of Georgia.




THE LEE PAPERS.             239
To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Savannah in Georgia, 23rd Augt. 1776.
SIR,
Your letter with the thanks of the Continental Congress reach'd me at Purisburg. The approbation of the
freely chosen Delegates of a free and uncorrupt people
is certainly the highest honor that can be conferr'd on
Mortal man.
I shall consider it as a fresh stimulus to excite my
zeal and ardour in the glorious cause in which I am engaged —May the God of righteousness prosper your
arms in every part of the Empire in proportion to the
justice with which they were taken up —once more let
me express the highest satisfaction and happiness I feel
in this honorable testimony, and once more, let me assure the United States of America, that they cannot
meet with a Servant (whatever may be my abilities)
animated with a greater degree of ardor and enthusiasm
for their safety, prosperity and glory.
The present State'of this Province, its strength and
weakness I shall transmit to the Board of War according to the directions I have received, and let me entreat
you to be perswaded that I am, Sir, with the greatest
respect
Your most obt and very humble Servt
CHARLES LEE.
Tro The Honorable John Hancock,
President of the Continental Congress.
FROM FRANCIS HUGER.
General Lee as Col. Huger informs Capt. HIuger, is
somewhat Dissatisfied with his manner of receiving
some few touches on. duty the General was yesterday
pleased to give him —Capt. Huger confesses he was




240              THE LEE PAPERS.
thrown into some little warmth upon being reprimanded for doing what he thought, considering the high
provocation he receiv'd, his duty, even although Ser.
jeants, as he well knew, were exempted in general from
every manual chastisement, he however declares he had
not yesterday or ever had the least intention to give
General Lee the slightest dissatisfaction or affront
either in his publick or private character; for in the
first place, as a very young officer he must look cautiously before he adventures, and must of course yield
to the General's so much superior Judgment, in the
second, as a Gentleman, he would never offer an insult
to another in his own House, and Is with respect,
His Excellency's
Most Obedt. Humbe Servt'
FRANS HUGER
Saturday 24th- [August,]'76.
To His Excellency General Lee.
To  THE PRESIDENT AND COUNcIL OF THE STATE OF
GEORGIA.
Savannah, August 24th 1776
GENTLEMEN,
I am extreamly unfortunate in having so express'd
myself as to have given the Council room to think that
I have the least diffidence of their readiness and alacrity to cooperate in whatever is necessary for the public
service.
I do assure you that I never entertain'd so injurious
a thought, and give my word & honor that no person
whatever has labour'd to represent the Council in an
unfavorable light —the sole end and purpose of my let.
ter was to apprize the President and Council of the
method I intended to pursue, in order to obviate the im



THEE LEE PAPERS.            241
putation or suspicion of presumption and arrogance, as
I know that Gentlemen not used to the short and concise method necessary in military operations are apt to
misconstrue it into an inclination to bear down the
civil authority-for these reasons, I must repeat that I
thought it prudent to advise the President and Council
of the method I intended to pursue in order to prevent
their being surpris'd or shock'd at a short and simple
requisition which to them must appear a novelty-and
that I never myself entertain'd a suspicion, or has any
officious Person endeavour'd to insinuate a want of zeal
in your respectable Board.
I am, Gentlemen, with the greatest Respect,
Your most obedt humble Servt,
CHARLES LEE.
To his Excellency the President and Gentlemen of the
Council of the State of Georgia.
To THE BOARD OF WAR AND ORDNANCE.
Savanna, 27th August, 1776.
GENTLEMEN,
Any irregularity of Returns of the forces under my
command, will not I hope be imputed to me, the extensive busyness of superintending the safety of so vast a
territory as that which the Congress have committed to
my charge renders it impossible for me.'to attend to the
detail of Regiments, or in any reasonable time to collect
and digest the various returns, but I have given orders
to the Brigadiers to be as accurate as possible on this
subject in their respective districts, and have no reason
from my knowledge of the men, to think they will be
deficient.
As a thorough knowledge of the present condition
of this Colony, of its strength and weakness, is certainly
a matter of very serious consideration, I shall lay before
VOL, II.-1-6




242              THE LEE PAPERS.
the Board the best and most accurate information I am
able. Georgia is a state of much greater importance to
the Enmpire of America than generally supposed, at
least than what I myself imagin'd before I visited it,
the variety of navigable Rivers, commodious harbours,
and fine Inlets, the prodigious quantity of rice and immense stocks of Cattle on the Islands and on the main;
but above all, the gentleness and salubrity of the winter
seasons, with the conveniency of its situation for commerce with the West India Islands wou'd render it a
most valuable possession to the enemy; the Altamaha
(a very noble River) already furnishes a considerable
quantity, and may in time furnish any quantity of lumber; the Garrison of St Augustine, and indeed the whole
Province of East Florida draw their subsistence from
Georgia-if all intercourse with her were cut off that
nest of robbers and pirates wou'd probably fall to the
ground, and of course the Empire of the United States
become more round and entire-these circumstances
summon'd up together must evince the importance of
keeping Georgia or any part of it out of the hands of
the Enemy-the means of doing it demands the utmost
attention-I have turn'd my thoughts to the subject
and shall beg leave to submit the result to the consideration of the Congress —The present State of the strength
of this Colony consists of Colonel McIntosh's Battalion
(a return of.which is here inclosed) a Company of Independent artillery consisting of 3 officers & 23 privates
with about twenty five hundred militia of all sorts, but
in a very great part of these (as I learn from the authority of their own Captains) very little confidence
can be placed —their principles being extreamly contaminated by a most pernicious banditti of Enemies to
the common liberty —McIntosh's Battalion is really a
very fine one (one of the best I think on the Continent)
the Colonel himself a zealous most deserving citizen
and an active understanding Officer —in short, a man
whom I cou'd wish to recommend to the esteem of the
Congress-but as perhaps it might appear a harsh task




THE LEE PAPERS.              243
to insist on this Battalions acting with the necessary
rigor against some of their nearest connexions and relations accused of being concerned in treasonable practices; it is my intention to remove'em either into South
or North Carolina where they can be more serviceable
and have an opportunity of compleating themselves
(which in this State from the dearth of men is impossible) and replace'em with an equal or greater number
from South Carolina-Such is the present condition of
the strength of Georgia, very far from being adequate
to its defence. My scheme for its security is, as Row
gallies & arm'd boats are so well calculated for what is
call'd the inland Navigation, I wou'd propose as great
a number as possibly can be obtain'd; the nature of
the navigation gives'ern an infinite advantage over vessels merely sailing which in these strait confin'd waters
have no room for manceuvering —they will secure the
Rivers against the predatory incursions of the Enemy
— prevent the desertion of Negroes-sweep the Coast
clear of Tenders; but above all, facilitate the means of
the different States mutually assisting each other with
Troops, Cannon, Provision and other requisites which
is now effected with difficulty slowness and monstrous
expense. Three gallies are already on the stocks in
this Port, and we have arm'd and equipp'd several
boats with swivels and one Gun on the Bow of eachthe least of'em capable of containing thirty men and
row'd with fourteen oars-Sailors 6f whom we find so
great a scarcity are not necessary for this species of
vessels, the soldiers are competent to the busyness; besides the equipment of these gallies and boats, I propose establishing little Forts or Redoubts in certain
situations on the Rivers St Mary's, Satilla, Sapello and
Altamaha which may enable us to make incursions
from time to time (when circumstances require it) into
East Florida, and render it dangerous for them to make
attempts of a similar nature into Georgia. These Redoubts or little Forts will likewise serve as places of
rendezvous, refreshment & retreat for Body's of Horse




244.THE LEE PAPERS.
Rangers which ought continually to be patroling on the
Frontier-such are the best methods after having consulted the most intelligent people, which in my opinion
can be devised for the defence and security of this
State, unless indeed wei cou'd prevail on the Province
to contract their frontier by breaking up all their set~tlements on the other side of the Altamaha, which to
me, I confess appears, a wiser and more economical
measure, but this I am afraid is not to be accomplisli'd.
I must now beg leave to lay before the Board a matter
of the highest concern, and which certainly demands
the most serious attention of Congress, as unless remedied it may not only distress the circumstances of the
*Public, but bring a disgrace on the American Character
— I mean the unconscionable advantages which individuals, Merchants Mechanics Farmers and Planters
are suffer'd to take of the public necessities.  If boats,
horses, waggons, drugs, clothing, skins, necessaries, even
little refreshments such as fruit or garden stuff are
wanting for the soldiers, no price being regulated the
extortion is monstrous, the expenses of the War must
not only be extensively swell'd by this want of regulation, but the officers and soldiers are disgusted to the
service by the toleration of such impositions; for instance the Virginians and North Caroliners are so much
out of temper with Charlestown on this head, that
shou'd it be again attack'd and the assistance of these
Troops be again requisite, I am afraid we shall find a
dangerous repugnance in them to march when order'd.
I -most devoutly wish therefore that the Congress will
make it an. object to remedy this evil —might they not
recommend to or enjoin the Legislatures of the different states to appointt a Committee of Assessors from
their respective bodies to fix the price of the different
articles in their Provinces? whether this method is or
is not proper, I cannot pretend to say, but something I.must repeat, must be done.
The waste difficulty and expense arising from  a
want of method in provisioning the Troops when as



THE LEE PAPERS.              2 45
semblect in any particular spot upon an emergency are
so great that magazines ought to be establish'd in every
province, more particularly in those which have the
greatest probability of being attack'd —by these means
the Troops will not only be better fed but an immense
saving to the Continent —for the Contractors not being
press'd for time can at their leisure purchase every
species necessary in these parts where they are best and
cheapest but when a great and sudden demand is made
either for Cattle, Corn, Spirits &c they are under a necessity of taking that which is next at hand and giving
the sellers their own price —on this consideration in concurrence with the President and Council of South Carolina I have thought it expedient to establish some
Magazines in South Carolina of Pork, Beef, Corn, &c
besides straw and whiskey which in these low damp
Countries is absolutely necessary; but at all events this
establishment can be no loss to the Continent as the
Beef and Pork at least can always with advantage be
exported to the West Indies-were I at a less distance
from the Congress I shou'd not take the liberty of laying out a single dollar without having obtain'd thr approbation; but at this distance I must assume such a
power or let the Public affairs go to wreck and of
course prove myself totally unworthy of the great trust
the Congress has repos'd in me.
I am, Gentlemen, with the greatest Respect,
Your most obt. & very humble Sert,
CHARLES LEE.
To The Board of War & Ordnance.
I have in almost all my letters to Congress represented my distress from want of Engineers-I must
once more entreat that I may be furnish'd with someit is really impossible to carry on the public business
without them.




246              THE LEE PAPERS.
To GENERAL JOHN ARMSTRONG.
Savannah, August ye 27th,'76.
MY DEAR GENERAL,
I agree with you entirely on the three works necessary to be effected for the defence of Charlestown, I
had already pointed'em out and given orders to the Engineer on the subject; and I hope the people and army
will for a while shake off their inherent lethargy to accomplish these means, of their temporal Salvation. The
People here are if possible more harum skarum than
their sister Colony. They will propose anything, and
after they have propos'd it, discover that they are incapable of performing the least. They have propos'd
securing their Frontiers by constant patroles of horse
Rangers, when the scheme is approv'd of they scratch
their heads for some days, and at length inform you
that there is a small difficulty in the way; that of the
impossibility to procure a single horse-their next project is to keep their inland Navigation clear of Tenders
by a numerous fleet of Guarda Costa arm'd boats, when
this is agreed to, they recollect that they have not a
single boat - Upon the whole I shou'd not be surpris'd
if they were to propose mounting a body of Mermaids
on Alligators-I am extreamly concern'd to hear of
your indisposition, and think without flattery that every
precaution shou'd be taken for the preservation of so
valuable a Citizen, therefore if you are perswaded that
moving Northward is necessary for your health, I only
request that you will write to me a letter representing
the necessity, as otherwise I do not think myself author.
iz'd to grant the permission, as Congress had so positively appointed you to this department. I wish to
God' the Climate had agreed better with your Constitution as I know no General Officer so well suited to the




THE LEE PAPERS.              247
Command. You really. in the vulgar phrase seem to
have got the length of their foot.
Adieu, Dr General,
Yours most affectionately,
CHARLES LEE.
Brigadier General Armrnstrong
Make Bullit (to whom I shall write immediately)
send his Returns to the Board of War.
To THE PRESIDENT AND COUNCIL OF THE STATE OF
GEORGIA.
Savanna, 28th August, 1776.
GENTLEMEN,
As I am fully perswaded that this State is of the
highest importance to the common cause, and have its
individual welfare very much at heart, I must beg
leave to propose.to his Excellency and the Council the
measures which I conceive necessary for the general interest of the Continent as well as particular interest of
Georgia-there is the greatest probability that the gentleness and salubrity of the winter season in this
Climate, but above all, the immense stock of Cattle in
your Islands have already determin'd the Enemy to
make this Province their Winter Quarters —but if this
last object is entirely removed, they will probably lay
*asi(le the design, and as the means of defence from a
scarcity of men, are less in this Province than in any
other, it is certainly our interest to divert their visit
to some other Province more capable of resisting.
When the Enemy are absolute masters of the sea, they
of course command the islands, the leaving the Islands
stock'd with cattle consequently is a very strange
scheme of politics, it is literally preparing a table of
invitation. I must therefore Gentlemen most earnestly
conjure the Council as they regard the common cause,




248             THE LEE PAPERS.
and the Interests of their own Province to consent to
the removal of this Cattle immediately-Means may be
devis'd of preventing any very heavy loss falling on
the Proprietors by obliging the Commissaries to purchase this Cattle in preference to other for the use of
the Army, but at any rate the measure is absolutely
necessary.
* I hope it will not be thought acting out of.my
Province, in lamenting the dangerous lenity which has
been shewn to various manifested foes to the public
liberty-it is in vain to march -bodies of troops for the
security of this Province; all schemes of defence will
be ineffectual if such men as McKensey, Jolly, and
others of the same stamp are suffer'd after having held
a treasonable Correspondence with the Enemy, after
having examin'd the strength and weakness of the
Country to escape out of your hands and carry to the
Enemy the most exact and minute intelligence, the
places and method in which they can most advantageously attack you —I beg Gentlemen I may not be misunderstood and that you will not suppose I am taking
upon me the airs of a Censor; I only lament your illtim'd humanity and as a servant of the United States
(to whom the superintendence of the Safety of the
Southern District against the attacks of the Enemy is
committed), most earnestly entreat the President and
Council to co-operate with my endeavours by removing
at least from the particular situation where they can do
mischief, not only the manifested Enemies, but even
the suspected, and that for the future men who have
demonstrated they are destitute of every sentiment of
honour may not elude us by the ridiculous pledge of
their Parole.
I am Gentlemen, with the greatest Respect
Your most obt very humble Servant
CHARLES LEE.
To his Excellency the President & Council.




THE LEE PAPERS.              249
To THE PRESIDENT AND COUNCIL OF THE STATE OF
GEORGIA.
Savannah, August 30th 1776.
GENTLEMEN,
I am extreamly flatter'd by your opinion that my
recommendation of the Field Officers for the additional
Battalions voted by the Congress for the defence of
Georgia, will have great weight with your Convention
and can assure you most solemnly, that my zeal for the
Common Cause and my concern for the welfare and security of this Province in particular is so great, that no
considerations or partiality cou'd influence me to recommend those who are not in my judgment, well
qualifyed in the two great necessary points, that of recruiting expeditiously the Battalions, and afterwards
bringing'em expeditiously into proper order to answer
the. ends of soldiers-in this perswasion I venture to
recommend Colonel Elbert for the first or musket battalion; indeed his own acknowledg'd merits and common justice, give him the strongest title without further
recommendation. For his Lieut Colonel I wou'd. pro.
pose Mr. Byrd, at present my Aid-de-Camp, but his
connexion with me is so far from having influence in
the recommendation, that it wou'd have a contrary
effect, unless I seriously intended to render all the Service in my power to the Colony, for the experience I
have of his capacity and spirit, will render his loss very
considerable for it is far from being an easy matter to
furnish ourselves with men capable of executing the
difficult and hazardous office of Aid de Camp with
coolness and distinctness. This gentleman besides from
his connexion in Virginia will find the greater facility
of procuring recruits —Mr. Jenefer of Maryland who
has served this Campaign as Volunteer, is the gentleman I wou'd recommend for the. horse or Rifle Battalions-He is a person of sense, spirit and honor, and
what he undertakes, he will ardently undertake; His




250              THE LEE PAPERS.
Family and connexions are amongst the most considerable in Maryland, and I verily believe that through the
influence and credit of his Brother, and other Relations, there is no man in that Province or the neigh-.bouring who cou'd so soon raise a Regiment or the
greater part of a Regiment-Mr. Drayton of your
province I have been long acquainted with; he served
in the same Regiment as myself; what his merits are as
a Citizen you must be the best judges-He was always
with us esteem'd a man of merit and worth, and I
had myself a particular regard for him-I shou'd
therefore consider it as an additional obligation to those
I have already received from the Province, if he cou'd
be appointed Lieut. Colonel to this Battalion. I confess I have not a little assum'd in even availing myself
of the politeness of the President and Council referring
matters of this moment to my opinion but must once
more repeat that I have made it my principal aim to
recommend in such' a manner as to serve the Colony.
I must now Gentlemen return my sincerest thanks
to your Body for their generous conduct towards the
Continental Troops under my command-such acts of
generosity and attention not only entitle you to a greater
degree of alertness on the part of the soldiery, officers
& men, but I hope will facilitate the means of comnpleating your establishment. On my part nothing shall
be wanting to inculcate in their minds a proper sense
of their obligation. I am Gentlemen,
Your most obt. & very hum Sert.
CHARLEs LEE.
P. S. As Mr. Jenefer will set out tomorrow for
Maryland, and as no time shou'd be lost the Council
wou'd much oblige me in determining whether it will
be more prudent to suppose him appointed for the
Horse or Rifle Battalion, as his plan of recruiting must
be regulated accordingly.




THEI LE LEE   PERS.         2 51
ORDERS ISSUED ON THE EXPEDITION TO GEORGIA, ETC.
Charlestown, Augt 7, 1776.
A Detachment of one Captain three Subalterns four
Sergeants and Seventy rank and File from the 1st Battalion of South Carolina the same number from the 2d
-130 from the 3d or Rangers with their common proportion of Officers to this number, and likewise 30 men
from the Artillery with the proportion of officers and
non-commission'd officers which Colonel Roberts shall
determine to prepare themselves immediately for a
march —They are to receive their Instructions from
Gene Howe who will appoint two field officers to take
the command of'em.
Par'ole Garcden.       Beaufort Aug. 12th, 1776.
Colonel Hardens Company to march or sail with
all possible expedition to Savanna —Capt. Joiner is to
direct the mode and provide the means.
Col. Kershaw's corps to return to their respective
homes as soon as possible. General Lee thanks'em for
their alacrity and zeal they have shewn.
Col. Garden will Garrison the Fort by detachments
in the manner his. judgment will admit.
The detachments of the Artillery from Charlestown
and of Moutries Regiment to proceed immediately to
Savanna in the manner Capt. Joiner directs.
Purisburg, August ye l1th 1776.
The Commanding Officers of the different Corps are
immediately to send in returns of the Waggons &
Horses in thr respective Corps.
in consequence of the foregoing Orders.




2  2             THE LEE PAPERS.
Horses. Waggons.
Muhlenberg's Regiment.     11     42
Sumner's      Ditto.        8     36
1 ammunition.    1
Major White Comr                  18
of the Volunteers
Col. Hugers Regiment        5    20
Total          27:  116
Parole PFincastle.     Purisburg, Augt 16, 1776.
Colonel Hugers and the Volunteers march to day to
Mr Bryants where they must be at eight oclock. The
acting Quarter Masters of each of these Corps to take
an account of the Waggons & Geers they leave behind
at Mr Bryant's.
They are to be put distinctly and mark'd that no
confusion may arise at their return; a horse Guard of
one subaltern two Serjeants two Corporals and thirty
Privates to escort the Waggons and Horses round to
Savanna.
Muhlenburg's and Sumner's to march as soon as the
Boats return to Mr Bryant-they are to separate thr
Geers and Waggons in the same manner as directed to
the other two Corps, and appoint a horse Guard to conduct thr Horses to Savanna-if any Horses are lost the
regiment will be responsible for'em.
Parole Bull5'ock.        Savanna, Aug. -I 7, 1776.
As the different Corps are to be furnished with
Powder horns and shot bags The Colonels to make out
a return of the number wanting to completion.




THE LEE PAPERS.             253
Parole;fcIntosh.        Savanna, Aug. 18, 1776.
The Keeper of the Magazine to send in a return immediately of the Guns, ammunition and every sort of
military apparatus not only in Savannah but the different Posts.
After Orders. Every Corps, the Georgian Battalion
as well as the Troops lately arrived, to parade to-morrow morning at ten o'Clock, in order that thr arms accoutrements cloathing and Blankets may be inspected
-Colonel McIntosh will appoint the place of parade
and inform Brigade Major Simmonds of the place appointed.
Pacrole Bryabn.            Savanna Augt 20,'76.
Any Officer who refuses to obey an order delivered
him by one of the General's Aid de Camps shall immediately be put under arrest let his rank be whatever it
will.
Par'ole Sunb/u6ry.       Savanna, Augt 21, 1776.
Colonel Mughlenburg's Regiment to be supplied
with two flints per man from the Stores-Capt. HIarden's Company to furnish themselves immediately with
skins for Monkeshins and leggings-powder horns and
shot bags.'Those who have not arms shall be furnish'd
at Sunbury to which place they and Muhlenburg's are
to march to-morrow morning-Hardens to have two
spare Flints.
Colo Mughlenburg's Regiment & Capt. Harden's
Company are to parade this afternoon at half past five
-in the rear of the Garden Battery.
Parole Elbert.             Savannah, Augt 22d
A Garrison Court martial to be held to morrow to




2&54             THE LEE PAPERS.
try all Prisoners brought before'em-the necessary Witnesses to be summon'd.
A Captain & fifty men for fatigue —the Quarter
master to be apply'd to for twenty Axes to cut timber
for the construction of certain works thought necessary.
Parole Houston,           Savanna 23d Augt 1776.
The Officers of the different Corps whose soldiers are
not yet supplied with Dearskins to dress for Mankaskins & Leggings are this day to apply to the Quarter
Master of the Georgia Battalion who is to deliver'em.
After Orders. As the dates of the Commissions
of the Georgia Battalion commanded by Colonel McIntosh are on the first of January and as a late positive
Resolve of the Continental Congress declaring the 1st
&  2d Battalions of South Carolina to be on the Continental establishment explicitly gives to the said Battalions rank from the fourth of November there can be
no room for dispute on this subject-the two Carolina
Battalions have the precedence of course.
After Orders. The Officers of the different Corps
are immediately to send in a return of their convalescents & of such who are not so indispos'd but what
with fresh air and attendance will in all probability
speedily recover.
Parole..         Savanna, 25 Augt 1776.
The Artillery of South Carolina agreeable to Resolve of the Continental Congress take rank from the
of Ntvr last.
Savanna, 24 Augt 1776.
After Orders. The Party of a Captain and Sixty
men which was ordered to be in readiness to march to



TIHE LEE PAPERS.             255
morrow morning to Skidaway and post themselves ac.
cording to the directions of an Officer of Col. MoIntosh's Battalion who is to conduct and inform'em of
the nature of the Country and the duty they are to do.
Parole Fincacstle.           Savanna 25i Aug. 76.
Besides the party already ordered for fatigue a
subaltern and thirty men of Major Mason's Detachment from Thompson's Rangers. are to parade to morrow morning precisely at six o'clock.
Savanna, August y' 28th
2nd Lt. De la Plaine of the Georgian Battalion is
appoint'd to do duty as 1st Lt. Ensign Morrison of
2d Lt.'till the pleasure of the Congress is further
known. The Court Martial of which Colonel Huger
was President is approv'd of and dissolv'd-the sentence of Corporalpunishment on the different Prisoners
is commuted by the General into five days Confinement
in the black hole-where They are to be confin'd to
rice and water-They are to be convey'[d] thither tomorrow morning-a Corporal and six to mount on the
place of their confinement and if it is discover'd that
any other provisions are Convey'd to'em-the Corporal
will be try'd for disobedience of orders and a violation
of his duty.
To THE GOVERNOR AT CAPE FRANCOIS.
Savannah, Aug. 30th, 1776.
SIR,
It will be necessary in addressing a letter of this
nature, so abruptly to your excellency, that I should
inform you who the writer is. I have served as lieutenant-colonel in the English service, colonel in the
Portuguese, afterwards as aid du camp to his Polish




25 6             TIE LEE PAPERS.
majesty, with the rank of major general. Having
purchased a small estate, in America, I had determined
to retire, for the remainder of my days, to a peaceful
asylum: when the tyranny of the nministry, and court
of Great Britain, forced this continent to arms, for the
preservation of their liberties, I was called, by the
voice of the people, to the rank of second in command.
I make no doubt of this letter's being kindly received
by your Excellency, both in the character of a good
Frenchman, and friend to humanity. The present conjuncture of affairs renders the interest of France and
of this continent one and the same thing; every observation drawn from history must evince, that it was the
exclusive commerce of these colonies, which enabled
Great Britain to cope with France, gave to her a decided superiority in marine, and, of course, enabled her
in the frequent wars betwixt the two nations to reduce
her rival to the last extremity. This was the case, so
peculiarly in the last war, that had the British ministry
persevered, Heaven knows what would have been the
fate of France. It follows, that if France can obtain
the monopoly, or the greater part of this commerce,
her. opulence, strength, and prosperity, must grow to a
prodigious height; and nothing can be more certain,
than that if America is enabled to preserve the inde.
pendence she has now declared, the greater part of this
commerce, if not the monopoly, must fall to the share
of France.
The imaginary plans of conquest of Lewis the
Fourteenth, had they been realized, would not have
established the power of that monarchy, on so solid
and permanent a basis, as the simple assistance, or
rather friendly intercourse with this continent, will
inevitably give. Without injustice, or the colour of injustice, but, on the contrary, only assuming the patronage of the rights of mankind, France has nowT in her
power to become not only the greatest, but the most
truly glorious monarchy which has appeared on the
stage of the world. - In the first place, her possessions




THE LEE PAPERS.               257
in the islands will be secured against all possibility of
attack; the royal revenues immensely increased, her
people eased of their present burdens, an eternal incitement be presented to their industry, and the means
of increase by the facility of providing sustenance for
their families multiplied. In short, there is no saying
what degree of eminence, happiness, and glory, she
may derive from the independence of this continent.
Some visionary writers have indeed asserted, that could
this country once shake off her European trammels, it
would soon become more formidable alone, from the
virtue and energy, natural to a young people, than
Great Britain with her colonies united in a state of
dependency. But the men who have built such hypotheses must be utter strangers to the manners, genius,
disposition, turn of. mind, and circumstances of the
continent. Their disposition is manifestly to agriculture and the simple life of shepherds. As long as vast
tracts of land remain unoccupied, to which they can
send colonies (if I may so express it) of their offspring, they will never entertain a thought of marine
or manufactures. Their ideas are solely confined to
labour and to planting, for those nations, who can, on
the cheapest terms, furnish them with the necessary
utensils for labouring and planting, and clothes for
their families; and till the whole vast extent of continent is fully stocked with people, they will never
entertain another idea. This cannot be effected for
ages; and what then may happen, it is out of the line
of politicians to lay any stress upon: most probably,
they will be employed in wars amongst themselves, before they aim at foreign conquests. In short, the apprehension is too remote to rouse the jealousy of any
reasonable citizen of a foreign state.  On the other
hand, it is worthy your Excellency's attention to consider what will be the consequences, should Great
Britain succeed in the present contest. America, it
is true, will be wretched and enslaved; but a number
of slaves may compose a formidable army and fleet.
VOL. II. 17




258              THE LEE PAPERS.
The proximity of situation, with so great a force, entirely at the disposal of Great Britain, will put in her
power to take possession of your islands on the first
rupture. Without pretending to. thle spirit of prophesy, such, I can assert, will be the event of the next
war; upon the whole, I must repeat, that it is for the
interest, as well as glory of France, to furnish us with
every means of supporting our liberties, to effect which,
we only demand a constant systematic supply of the
necessaries of war. We do not require any aid of
men, we have numbers, and, I believe, courage sufficient
to carry us triumphantly through the struggle. We
require small arms, powder, field-pieces, woollen and
linen to clothe our troops: also drugs, particularly
bark: in return for which, every necessary provision
for your islands may be expected, as rice, corn, lumber,
&c. If, indeed, you could spare us a few able engineers, and artillery officers, they may depend upon an
honourable reception and comfortable establishment.
The Sieur de la Plain, one of your countrymen, now
engaged in the cause of the United States of America
will have the honour of delivering this letter to your
Excellency. I have no doubt of his being received
with that politeness, and kindness, to be expected from
a gentleman.of your rank and character.
I am, with the highest respect, your Excellency's
most obedient servant,
CHARLES LEE.
To His Excellency the Governor at Cape Frangois.
ORDERS.
September 9th [1 7 6.]
GEN. LEE thinks it his duty before his departure to
express the high sense he entertains of the conduct and




TEE LEE PAPERS.              259
behavior of the colonels and officers of the several battalions of South-Carolina, both as gentlemen and soldiers; and begs leave to assure them, that he thinks
himself obliged to report their merit to the Continental
Congress.
To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Princeton, October 10, 1776.
SIR:
The ridiculous idea, that Lord Howe has some reasonable terms to offer, and that the Congress are desirous of their being communicated to the people, gains
ground every day. This idea is strengthened by the
industry of the disaffected, and does infinite mischief;
I would therefore, with submission, offer it to the consideration of Congress, whether it would not be politick, in
order to efface these impressions, suffer some gentlemen
in the simple character of individuals who are supposed
to have influence, to propose a conference with his Lordship on this subject, and demand what terms he has to
offer. He most assuredly has none, but unconditional
submission. His public declaration ought, it is true, to
satisfy every reasonable man of this being the ultimatum; but in our present circumstances, the unreasonable
and weak must be satisfied, as well as the sensible
and reasonable. A committee deputed from the Congress after what has happened, would be highly improper, as it would convey an idea that they themselves
did not consider independency absolutely fixed, for
which reason it would be more prudent that they should
suffer one or two persons in whom they can confide, to
propose the conference in their private characters, who
may afterwards relate, explain, and comment at large
on the circumstances. I perhaps may be wrong in my
conjectures, but as I am persuaded it would have a salutary effect, I cannot reconcile it to my conscience to
withhold my opinion, an opinion, I can assure you, Sir,




260              THE LEE PAPERS'.
in which I am not singular, for many very sensible men,
and the most active friends to the cause in this Province
and the others I have passed through, concur with me.
At all events, I hope the Congress will not think me
impertinent, and presuming in intruding it, but impute
it to my anxiety and zeal for the publick welfare.
This Province is so much weaker in numbers than I
imagined in leaving Philadelphia, that the sooner the
Virginia battalions march, at least as far as Brunswick,
the better. You must, Sir, excuse the blots of this letter as I have not paper for a more legible copy.
I am, Sir, with the greatest respect, your most humble obedient Servant
CHARLES LEE.
To the President of Congress.
To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Amboy, October 12, 1776.
SIR:
The Hessians who were encamped opposite this post,
last night disappeared, and there is the greatest reason
to think that they have quitted the island entirely,
which announces some great manceuvre to be in agitation. I am  confident they will not attack General
Washington's lines: such a imeasure is too absurd for a
man of Mr ttowe's genius; and unless they have received flattering accounts from Burgoyne that he will
be able to effectuate a junction, (which I conceive they
have not) they will no longer remain kicking their
heels at New York. They will put the place in a respectable state of defence, which with their comm nd of
the waters may be easily done, leave four or five thousand men, and direct their operations to a more decisive
object. They will infallibly proceed either immediately up the river Delaware with their whole troops, or
what is more probable, land somewhere about South




THE LEE PAPERS.            261
Amboy or Shrewsbury, and march straight to Trenton
or Burlington. We must suppose every case. On, the
supposition that this will be the case, what are we to
do? What force have we?'What means have we to
prevent their possessing themselves of Philadelphia?
General Washington's army cannot possibly keep pace
with them. The length of his route is not only infinitely greater, but his obstructions almost insuperable; in
short, before he could cross Hudson river, they might
be lodged and strongly fortified on both banks of the
Delaware. I shall make no apologies to Congress for
thus so freely offering my opinion; the importance of
the matter is a sufficient apology. For Heaven's sake,
rouse yourselves; for Heaven's sake, let ten thousand
men be immediately assembled and stationed somewhere
about Trenton. In my opinion your whole depends
upon it. I set out immediately for Head Quarters,
where I shall communicate my apprehension that such
will be the next operation of the enemy, and urge the
expediency of sparing a part of his army (if he has any
to spare) for this object.
I am, Sir, with the greatest respect, your most obedient humble Servant
CHARLES LEE.
To the President of Congress.
To GENERAL GATES.
Fort Constitution, October ye 14th.
MY DEAR GATES,
I write this scroll in a hurry-Colonel Wood will
describe the position of our Army, which in my own
breast I do not approve —inter nzos the Congress seem
to stumble every step-I do not mean one or two of
the Cattle, but the whole Stable —I have been very
free in delivering my opinion to'em-in my opinion
General Washington is much to blame in not menacing




262              THE LEE PAPERS.'em with resignation unless they refrain from unhinging the army by their absurd interference —Keep us
Tionderoga; much depends upon it-We ought to have
an army on the Delaware —I have roar'd it in the ears
of Congress, but carent auribzs.
Adieu, my Dr. Friend; if we do meet again, why we
shall smile.
Yours,      C. LEE.
To BENJAMIN RUSH.
Camp at Philipsburg Nov. ye 2nd 1776.
DR Russ,
A Dragoon Deserter from Burgoyne's Regt. will
deliver you this —He is a very intelligent fellow and I
believe very honest. He is by trade a Weaver and I
recommend him to your protection, by which I mean
that you will put him in the best way to avail himself
of his weaving talents-We are now, thank God, and
the inertness of the Enemy, in a very tolerable secure
condition. Mr Howe has but two moves by which He
can distress us, and I flatter myself We shall be able to
check-mate him in both-the various skirmishes We
have had with him have been rather favorable to us
than the reverse-three of the four have fallen on my
division-Glover, an admirable officer acting Brigadier
fairly beat'em-ra shooting match betwixt the Riflers
and Hessian Chasseurs demonstrated our superiority at
this time the Parties were equal in numbers, and We
won the match We lost but one Man, buryed ten of
theirs and took three. McDougal, it is true, in the last
affair was oblig'd to retreat by the superiority of their
Artillery; but He lost no credit —the loss on their side
-as very considerable in short He is a sensible brave
Officer. When We are once fairly out of this damn'd
ClU/ de sac I think you will hear good accounts of us;
We shall I am persuaded, harrass'em most damnably




THIE LEE PAPERS.            263
Our only distresses seem to me to arise from a total
want of method and a little narrow dirty economy in
all things relating to the Hospital and Quarter Master
General departments —thrice since my arrival have We
been in the Jaws of perdition from a scarcity of teams
— for God's sake get some military men into vour Senate, for inter fnos all the resolves of Congress relating
to Military affairs are absurd, ridiculous and ruinous.
They raise the laughter and provoke the indignation of
every Man of Common Sense. Where is the Cloathing
so long promis'd for the Army?  Why do you not
make an handsome establishment for Engineers? We
have three very able Foreigners in my family, and you
put New-England Carpenters at the head of this imaportant Department. Why have you not Magazines
establish'd in various Provinces?  It wou'd be curious
ceconomy in a master of a Family who kept a constant
table to send every day to- the Tavern for bottles of
Wine rather than lay in a few pipes in his cellar. Just
so you act.
As it is most probable that the operations in this
part of the World will cease in three weeks or a month,
I must intreat your High Mightinesses to let me return
to my Southern district, as I dread the podagraferous
quality of this freezing Climate. Don't you think it
possible the Enemy may direct their course towards
Philadelphia when They find themselves baffled here?
A Corps of Observation shou'd in my opinion be station'd at Trenton or Bristol-it is late —God bless you.
Good night —my love to the Lees and Bob Morris.
Yours, Dr Rush, Most Sincerely,
CHARLES- LEE.
P. S. I wish you would desire little Bass to send
me the bottle of Panacea.
To Doctor Benjamin Rush,
Member Continental Congress,
Philadelphia.




264              THE LEE PAPERS.
GEN. SCHUYLER TO P. R. LIVINGSTON.
Albany Novr 3d 1776.
Sin,
I do myself the honor to enclose you an Extract of
a Letter from General Gates of the 31st ulto with copy
of one from Major Hoisington to him. If Sir John
Johnson left Canada at the Time the Deserters mention,
he has probably met with such Difficulties, as have
obliged him to return, as I think he could not subsist
from that Time to this in the woods. We have no less
than eleven different Scoutts traversing the Country
between Ticonderoga and fort Stanwix, so that I am in
hopes should the Enemy attempt to penetrate to the
Mohawk River, we shall have such early information
as to enable us to meet him with a sufficient force. I
have already ordered two Regiments from Ticonderoga
to Tryon County and about one thousand of the Militia,
so that our force there exclusive of the Militia of that
County will amount to Two thousand men besides the
Garrison of Fort Schuyler.
I wish the Convention would order the depth &
Breadth of Hudson River to be carefully taken, at such
places as they conceive would be most proper effectually
to obstruct the Navigation. Verplanks point or Jan
Canteen Hook may be proper places, perhaps the latter
the most eligible of any.
I propose taking the Earliest opportunity that is
afforded me to prepare everything for it-at present I
cannot, as I have neither Troops nor: Carpenters the
latter being all employed in constructing Barracks.
I am Sir with great Respect,
Your most obedient humble Servt
PH. SCHUYLER.
Peter R. Livingston, Esq. Prest.




THE LEE PAPERS.             265
[Inclos-d in the preceding letter.]
To HIS EXCELLENCY MAJOR GENERAL GATES.
Intelligence given by four Deserters from Canada,
who enlisted out of Prison at Quebeck into the Royal
Emigrant Regiment commanded by Col~ McClean is,
that on the 25th of Septr. they left Montreal and before
they left the above place Sir John Johnson with the
Indians and Canadians & 8th Regiment had marched to
attack the Inhabitants on the Mohawk River and meet
General Burgoyne at Albany who has ordered all the
Forces from Chamblee & Sorell to St Johns with the
Marines and train of Artillery & Sailors, to but three
men in each vessel. Likewise as they passed on each
side of the Lake on Sunday the 6th Instant, heard a very
heavy Cannonade on the Lake, supposed to be with the
Fleet.
The above Deserters were found by one of my scouts
about 40 miles out, destitute of provisions and very
weak. They being desirous to go to Head Quarters
near New York I have passed the above Deserters for
that place.
I anm Sir,
Your most obedient humble Servt
JOAB HOISINGTON.
New Bury, Oct. 12th 1778.
Endclosed: M' Hoisington with the Rank of Major
Commands several Companies of Rangers embodied in
Gloucester &  Cumberland Counties raised to serve
during the war subject to the Convention of this State
and the Commander of the Northern Army.




266              THEE LEE PAPERS.
To DR. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
Camp at Phillipsburg, November 6th 1776.
DEAR SIR:
The gentleman who will deliver you this, was, as I
understand, sent by Congress to General Washington.
He was to have given specimens of his abilities as engineer, and been recommended accordingly. Whether he
is a great engineer or no, I cannot pretend to say, as he
has had no fair opportunity of displaying his talents.
The few small works he has thrown up have been in
haste, at the same time labouring under the disadvantage of not being able to explain himself to the workmen. From the little I can judge of him, he is a man
of capacity and knowledge, and I am told by his countryinen, that his fort lies in surveying geographically
and military a country. I know not any kind of officer
more wanted in America than a military surveyor of
those parts which are likely to be the scene of action.
General Washington and myself have therefore concurred in opinion that he should begin with the Jerseys; and if he gives satisfactory proofs of his talents
in this line, to recommend him to Congress for this important office. I must beg leave to recommend him to
your protection and patronage, and request that you
will furnish him with the necessary instruments. And
as I aml so well acquainted with your liberal way of
thinking and manners, it will be unnecessary to desire
you to show him all possible personal civilities.
So far for Monsieur Imlbert. You will naturally
expect something from me on your present situation.
We have by proper positions brought Mr. Howe to his
ne Plus ult'ra. He has therefore apparently given [up]
all hopes of taking us prisoners, as I believe he lately
sanguinely promised himself. Monsieur Imbert, as you
know French, will be able to explain the circumstances
of both armies. The spirit of our present troops is
upon the whole good, and if America is lost, it is not




THE LEE PAPERS.             267
in my opinion owing to want of courage in your soldiers, but, pardon me, to want of prudence in your high
mightinesses.  Adieu!  God bless you, my dear sir.
Live long and make your country and friends as happy
as you have rendered yourself admirable in the eyes of
all good and sensible men.
Yours, most sincerely,
CHARLES LEE.
Dr Benjamin Franklin,
Member of the Continental Congress.
FRoM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
[Instractions.]
SIR
The late movement of the enemy, and the probability of their having designs upon the Jerseys, confirmed
by sundry accounts from deserters and prisoners, rendering it necessary to throw a body of troops over the
North river, I shall immediately follow; and the command of the army which remains, after General Heath's
division marches to Peekskill, devolving upon you, I
have to requestThat you will be particularly attentive that all the
intrenching and other tools, excepting those in immediate use, be got together and delivered to the Quartermaster General, or Major Reed, who heretofore has been
intrusted with them.
That you will direct the commanding officer of Artillery to exert himself in having the Army well supplied
with musket cartridges; for this purpose, a convenient
place at a distance should be fixed upon that the business may go on uninterrupted.
That no troops who have been furnished with arms,
accoutrements, or camp utensils, be suffered to depart
the camp before they have delivered them either to the
Commrnissary of stores or the Quartermaster General, or




268              THE LEE PAPERS.
his assistant, as the case may'be, taking receipts therefore, in exoneration of those which they have passed.
In a particular manner, let the tents be taken care of,
and committed to the Quartermaster General's care.
A little time now must manifest the enemy's designs,
and point out to you measures proper to be pursued by
that part of the Army under your command. I shall
give no directions, therefore, on this head, having the
most entire confidence in your judgment and military
exertions. One thing, however, I will suggest, namely:
that as the appearance of embarking troops for the
Jerseys may be intended as a feint to weaken us, and
render the strong post we now hold more vulnerable, or
if they find that troops are assembled with more expedition, and in greater numbers than they expected on the
Jersey shore to oppose them;-I say, as it is possible,
from one or the other of these motives, they may yet pay
the army under your command a visit, it will be unnecessary, I am persuaded, to recommend to you the propriety of putting this post, if you stay at it, into a
proper posture of defence, and guarding against surprises. But I would recommend it to your consideration whether, under the suggestion above, your retiring
to Croton Bridge and some strong post still more easterly (covering the passes through the Highlands) may
not be more advisable than to run the hazard of an attack with unequal numbers. At any rate, I think all
your baggage and stores, except such as are necessary
for immediate use, ought to be the northward of Croton river.
In case of your removal from hence, I submit to the
consideration of yourself and the general officers with
you, the propriety of destroying the hay, to prevent
the enemy from reaping the benefit of it.
You will consider the post at Croton's (or Pines)
Bridge as under your immediate care, as also that lately
occupied by General Parsons, and the other at Wright's
Mill. The first I am taught to believe is of consequence; the other two can be of little use while the




THE LEE PAPERS.              269
enemy hover about the North River, and upon our
right flank.
Gen. Wooster, from the state of Connecticut, and
by order of the Governour, with several regiments of
Militia, are now I presume in or about Stamford. They
were to receive Qrders from me; of course they are to
do it from you. There are also some'other regiments
of Connecticut Militia, who came out with General
Saltonstall, and annexed to General Parsons's Brigade,
and others which you must dispose of as occasion and
circumstances shall require; but as by the late returns, many of those regiments are reduced to little
more than a large company, I recommend the discharge
of all such supernumerary officers, and the others anm
nexed to some brigade.
As the season will soon oblige the enemy to betake
themselves to winter-quarters, and will not permit our
troops to remain much longer in tents, it may be well
to consider in time where magazines of provisions and
forage should be laid in for the army on the east side
Hudson's river.  Peekskill, or the neighbourhood,
would, I should think, be a very advantageous post for
as many as can be supported there.  Croton Bridge
may probably be another good deposite, or somewhere
more easterly, for the rest, as the Commissary, Quarter,
master, &c., may assist in pointing out.
It may not be amiss to remind you, for it must (as
it. ought to) have some influence on your deliberations
and measures, that the Massachusetts Militia stand released from their contract the 17th this instant, and
that the Connecticut Militia are not engaged for any
fixed period; and by what I can learn, begin to grow
very impatient to return, few indeed of whom being
left. If the enemy should remove the whole, or the
greatest part of their force, to the west side of Hudson's river, I have no doubt of your following, with
all possible despatch, leaving the Militia and invalids
to cover the frontiers of Connecticut, &C' in case of
need.




270              THIE LEE PAPERS.
Given at Head-quarters, near the White Plains, this
10th November, 1776.
Go' WASHINGTON.
To Major General Lee.
To GENERAL GREENE.
Camp at North Castle Novr ye 11th. [1776.]
MY DR GENERAL,
If you should be taken by the enemy it would be
really a very serious affair, for I should have a chance
of losing my horse and sulky to prevent so melancholy
an event, I must request that you will send wd up to
me by the Serv who will deliver you this.
I have just received a letter with the good news of
the total defeat of the Cherokees I begin to think my
friend Howe has lost the campaign and that his most
Gracious Majesty must request a Body of Russians to
reestablish order tranquillity happiness and good government amongst his deluded subjects of America.
God bless you, my dr General May you live long and
reap, twice a year an abundant crop of laurels.
Yours most sincerely
CHARLES LEE.
FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Peekskill, November 12th 1776.
DEAR SIR:
Enclosed you will find a copy of sundry resolutions
of Congress, which came to hand since I left the Plains.
They will discover to you their opinion as to the necessity of taking the most early measures to levy the new
Army. The resolves cannot have any operation but in




THE LEE PAPERS.              271
the instance of the Rhode Island regiments, Commissioners having come from the states of Massachusetts and Connecticut, and being on the way from
Maryland. They will be superseded, too, if any have
arrived from Rhode Island; therefore the resolutions
are under that condition.
As it is of the last importance that the recruiting
service should be begun, I must request, if the Commissioners are not arrived from Rhode Island, that you
will call upon Colonel Hitchcock, who will inform you
of the officers recommended to that State by General
Greene, &~ and give orders to them to begin their inlistments immediately, on the terms and conditions
allowed by Congress. Such of them as agree to stay,
and will undertake the business, will be commissioned
according to the rank assigned'em in that recommenda.
tion. I have not got it by me, having sent it away
with my papers before I came from Harlem.
In respect to the militia, you will try your influence
to get them to remain; perhaps the requisition from
Congress for that purpose may have some effect,
though I have but little expectation that it will.
The enclosed letter for Colonel Darby you will
please to send in by the first flag.
I cannot conclude without reminding you of the
military and other stores about your encampment and
at North Castle, and to press the removal of them
above Croton Bridge, or such other places of security
as you may judge proper. General Howe having sent
no part of his force to Jersey yet, makes the measure
more necessary, as he may perhaps turn his views
another way, and attempt their destruction.
I have directed Colonel Putnam  to examine the
passes in the Highlands eastward of this place, and to
lay out such works as may be necessary to secure'em.
When you remove your present encampment, you will
assign such a number of men to the several posts as
you shall deem sufficient for their defence.
I hope the trial of Major Austin for burning the




272               THE LEE PAPERS.
houses will not be forgot; publick justice requires that
it should be brought on as soon as it can.
I am, &c
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Major General Lee.
IRESOLVES OF CONGRESS,
[Enclosedin theforegyong letter.]
In Congress, Nov. 4th 177 6.
WHEREAS it is manifest, that unless effective measures are immediately taken for re-inlisting the Army,
the Safety of the States may be greatly endangered.
Resolv'd, That the President be desired to write to
the Commander in Chief and inform him that if upon
receipt of this resolution, Commissioners from the respective States, for the purpose of appointing Officers,
shall not have arrived, that then he after consulting &
advising with such of his Generals, as he can conveniently call together, immediately grant warrants to
such of the Officers from  the respective States, who
have not Qommissioners present, authorized as aforesaid, as he shall think deserving of Commissions, that
the Officers so appointed proceed with the utmost expedition to recruit their regiments to their full complement; that Comm"n be sent to Genl. Washington as
soon as possible to be given to such officers as he shall
appoint by Warrant, in consequence of the foregoing
Resolution.
That the Commander in Chief be desired to take
such steps, as he shall think most proper, for continuing the Militia now in Camp, that for this purpose, he
write to such of the States as now have Militia in the
government of New York, requesting their assistance
in this business and that he further be directed to apply




THE LEE PAPERS.              273
to the neighbouring States for such additional aid as he
may require.
By Ordr of Congress
JNO. HANCOCK, Prest.
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Camp at Phillipsburg, November ye 12th,
nine o'clock, P.M.
DEAR GENERAL,
This instant came express from  Colonel Tupper
(stationed opposite to Dobb's Ferry,) one David Keech.
The substance of his intelligence is as follows: That
the enemy began their march at nine this morning,
down the river, with their baggage, artillery, &c &;,
that the man of war and two store ships had just set
sail, and were making down-I mean those which
came up last. The three ships still lie off Tarrytown
and Sing-sing —two at the former, one at the latter..
Keech says the whole army have quitted Dobbs's Ferry,,
and imagines the rear have by this time reached King's
Bridge.
I am far from being satisfied with the conduct of
our scouts. I do not think they venture far enough,,
for they in general bring back very lame, imperfect accounts. But I have projected a plan for breaking in
at least, upon Rogers's party, and believe I shall sueceed,
The sentence on Austin is that he should be reprimanded; but I have ordered a new Court Martial, with
a charge of wanton, barbarous conduct, unbecoming not
only an officer, but a human creature.
General Lincoln and the Massachusetts committee,
are using their efforts to detain the Militia. Whether
they succeed, Heaven only knows.  Hitchcock and
Varnum do not recollect the recommendation of General Greene; but I have ordered them to give me a list
VOL. II.- 18




274              TIHE L]EE PAPERS.
of those whom they think ought to be recommended;
for it is now too late to refer to Greene, as the Conmmissioners are expected every hour.
I wish to God you were here, as I anm, in a manner,
a stranger to their respective merits. When the list is
made out, I shall inform myself, (as well as I can) if
their recommendation is impartial, and proceed accoidingly.
I am, dear General, yours, most sincerely.
CHARLES LEE.
-To his Excellency General Washington.
FROM GEN. DAVID WOOSTER.
Greenwich, 12th Nov. 1776.
DEAR SR.
I this moment Recd your favor of yesterday & this
will be handed you by Capt. Hills, and beg leave to
acquaint you that I have posted the Regt belonging
Norwalk, Stanford and Greenwich in their respective
Towns for the security of them- of the other three
Regts there are but four hundred and thirty yet arrived,
including officers but more are expected and about
ninety Light Horse We have no Tents and but about
three Rounds of Powder and Ball per man-the Towns
to the Eastward had furnished the Militia as they came
to join the Continental Army till they were exhausted
-I sent my Aid de Camp yesterday to wait on Gen
Washington for an order to Draw Powder and Lead,
but an order from you would serve the same purpose.
I shall strictly attend your orders and am Dear Sir
most respectfully
yr very humble Servant
D. W[OOSTER]
The Honble Maj. Gen. Lee.




THE LEE PAPERS.             275
FROM LIEUT. COL. WILLIAM PALFREY.
Stamford Wednesday Evening, 13th Novr 1776.
MY DEAR GENERAL,
In consequence of orders I receiv'd from General
Washington, I shall set off early tomorrow morning
from this Place for Peek's Kill, & shall take my
quarters at Captn Drake's about 2 miles on this side the
Kill, and where I shall attend to transact the Business
of my office. If circumstances would permit, I should
be glad to remain here —it is ten miles nearer Head
Quarters, and a well known road —but I must obey
orders.
I intended to have gone to Peeks Kill this Morning,
but was prevented by an alarm, which was given about
ten o'clock, A. M. that the Enemy were landing a number
of men from one of their ships of war at a place called
Long Neck about four miles East from here. As I was
the oldest officer in the place I took the Command, &
mustered all the men who I could persuade to go;
they consisted principally of returned Militia —Invalids
stationed in the Town & a few of the Inhabitants to
the amount of about fifty. I marched them down with
all possible Expedition, crossed a small Creek in a
Gondola, but before we had got to the spot the Enemy
had compleated their Business & retreated-A Number
of Cattle were on the Neck, they kill'd only two which
they carried off, as we discovered by the Tracks of
blood to the Waters Edge. There was about fifty of
them, and they landed in three Boats. Shortly after
we got down the Man of War weigh'd anchor, came to
sail, & stood down the sound towards New York. The
shore here is amazingly Expos'd and I am confident if
500 men were to land in the Night they might make
themselves Masters of all the stock hereabouts.
As I have receiv'd no orders respecting the payment
of the Militia —I should be exceeding glad to know




276             THE LEE PAPERS.
whether I am to pay them or not. Unless the greatest
care imaginable is taken, the Continent will be subject
to *the grossest impositions. It is well known that
many of these Gentry have deserted —they deserve no
pay & they should receive none. No warrant should
be granted upon an abstract, unless it is certified
to be just, by the commandg officer of the Brigade and
afterwards examined by Colonel Scammel to see if it
be right Cast & the pay agreeable to the Continental
Establishment.
As soon as I can get myself properly fix'd, I shall
do myself the honor of waiting upon you —I must needs
say I can't see the fun of going to Peek's Kill.
As a Guard will be necessary for the Security of
the Continental Cash, & no Troops are station'd within
two Miles of my intended Quarters, I must request the
favor of you to send me an order for a sufficient Guard.
If it is agreeable to you I should be glad to have Capt.
Dixon of Lasher's Regiment, he is an acquaintance of
mine, & an officer I can depend upon. I think, considering the risque, a Captains Guard will not be too
great a one.
My Compts to Messieurs Les Francois & the Gentlemen of your Suite.
I am most Sincerely & Respectfully, My dear
General, Yours,
WM PALFREY
I have paid your Warrant to Mr Williams.
To Major General Lee
at North Castle
by Mr Williams.




THE LEE PAPERS.              277
F.ROM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
General Greene's Quarters, November 14th 1776.
DEAR SIR:
As an exchange of prisoners is likely to take effectas soon as the nature of the place will admit, and as in
the course of the transaction it may possibly happen
that an attempt may be made by the enemy to redeem
their prisoners by men who were never engaged in our
service, I must request you immediately to direct the
Colonels or commanders of regiments in your division,
to make out an exact list of the particular officers and
privates who have been killed, taken prisoners, or are
missing, in the respective regiments and companies to
which they belong, specifying the names of the whole,
and the time when each officer or private was killed,
taken prisoner, or missing. This list, as soon as it is
completed, you will transmit to Head Quarters.
I am, Sir, your most obedient Servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
Major General Lee.
P.S. I now enclose you a copy of the recommendation of the officers for the state of Rhode Island, which
was furnished by General Greene, and transmitted by
me to Governour Cooke, some time since. If the Commissioners have not yet arrived from thence, you will
be pleased to direct the officers therein nominated, who
choose to serve, to recruit as fast as possible out of
their own regiments, and agreeable to the general
orders issued at the White Plains before my departure.
To THE GOVERNOR OF RHODE ISLAND.
Camp North Castle Nov. ye 14th 1776.
DR SIR,
There is no doubt of a considerable force being embarked or about to embark in Staten Island. They




278              THE LEE PAPIERS.
give out that S. Carolina is the place of their destination —but as it is not impossible or improbable that
They may have some designs against Rhode Island,
either on a pillaging scheme, or perhaps with a view of
establishing winter quarters for a Part of their Troops
as they find themselves straightened at N. York I
think it my duty to apprise your Honour of their preparations, that you may be upon your guard-either
by removing your stock-fortifying yourselves, or in
short by taking such measures as your wisdom shall
dictate for the welfare of America and your particular
security.
I beg my respects to the Gentlemen of your Council
-to the Province at large-and that you will personally be assured that I am Dr Sir, with the greatest
truth,
Your most obdient humble Servt
CHARLES LEE.
[To the Hon. Nicholas Cooke Esq
Governor of the State of Rhode Island.]
FROM GEN. DAVID WOOSTER.
Sawpits, Novr 1  17 7 6.
DR SIR,
I herewith send three men, who say they deserted
from the Infamous Col~ Rogers's Regt of Rangers, one
belongs to Col~ Hands Regt and the other two to Col.
Smallwoods; they will give an account of the Situation
and movements of the Enemy.
The Enemy who landed at Stanford only got two or
three Cattle, and on the approach of the Militia retired
on board, and made sail immediately.
I have enclosed a newspaper of a late date.
T am Sir Your very humble Servt'
DAVD WOOSTERi
The Honbie Major Genl. Lee




THE LEE PAPERS.              279
FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Gen' Green's Qrs Novr 1. 1776.
DEAR SIR,
You will perceive by the inclosed Resolves that
Congress have entered into some new Regulations respecting the Inlistment of the new Army and reprobating the measures adopted by the State of MassachusettsBay for raising their Quota of men.
As every possible exertion should be used for recruiting the Army as speedily as may be, I request that
you immediately publish in orders, that an allowance of
a Dollar & one third of -a Dollar will be paid to the
officers for every soldier they shall enlist, whether in or
out of Camp. Also that it will be optional in the soldiers to enlist during the continuance of the war or for
three years unless sooner discharged by Congress. In
the former case they are to receive all such bounty and
pay as have been heretofore mentioned in orders; Those
who engaged for the latter time, that of three years, are
not to receive the bounty in land.
That no mistakes may be made you will direct the
recruiting Officers from your division to provide two distinct Inlisting Polls, one for those to sign who engage
during the war, the other for those who enlist for Three
years, if their services shall be so long required.
I am sorry to inform  you, that this day about 12
o'clock, the Enemy made a General Attack upon our
Lines about Fort Washington, which having carried the
Garrison retired within the Fort —Co' Magaw finding
there was no prospect of retreating across the North
River, surrendered the post. We do not yet know the
loss of killed and wounded on either side, but I irnagine it must have been pretty considerable, as the Engagement at some parts of the Lines was of long continuance and heavy; neither do I know the terms of
capitulation. The force of the Garrison before the attack was about 2000 men.




280              THE LEE PAPERS.
Before I left Peeks Kill I urged to Gen' Heath the
necessity of securing the pass thro' the Highlands next
to the River as well on that as this side, and to the
Forts above; But as the preserving of these and others
which lay more Easterly & which are equally essential
is a matter of the last importance, I must beg you to
turn your attention that way, and to have such measures
adopted for their defence as your judgment shall suggest to be necessary.-I do not mean to advise the abandoning your present post, contrary to your own opinion,
but.only to mention my Ideas of the importance of those
passes, and that you cannot give too much attention to
their security by having works erected in the most advantageous places for that purpose.
I am Dr Sir
Your most Obed. Servt
G~ WASHINGTON.
To Major General Lee.
P.S. I shall be obliged by your sending G-ovr Trumbull's Letter by the first opportunity.  It will be well
to furnish each ColP in your Division with the substance
of these Resolves, so far as they respect the Enlistments,
to prevent any kind of mistakes.
RESOLVES OF CONGRESS.
[Inclosed in the preceding letter.]
In Congress, Nov.'7th, 1776.
RESOLVED, that the resolution passed the 14th of
October last, That the allowance to officers of one and
one-third of a dollar for enlisting soldiers be not extended or giving on the re-enlistment of the soldiers in
Icamp, be repealed, and the same henceforth allowed.




THE LEE PAPERS,              281
November 12th 1776.
RESOLVED, As the opinion of Congress, that if
the soldiers to be raised by the state of Massachusetts
Bay, be inlisted on the terms offered to them, (which
are more advantageous than what are offered to other
soldiers serving in the same army,) it would much retard, if not totally impede, the enlistment of the latter,
and produce discontent and murmur, unless Congress
should equally increase the pay of these; which it is
the opinion of Congress would universally be reprobated as an immoderate expence, and'complained of, as
a grievous burden by those who must bear it; and therefore, that the Committee from the state of Massachusetts Bay, be desired not to inlist their men on the additional pay offered by the Assembly of that state.
Upon reconsidering the Resolution of the 16th of
September last, for raising eighty-eight battalions, to
serve during the present war with Great Britain, Congress being of opinion, that the readiness of the inhabitants of the states to enter into the service for limited
times, in defence of their invaluable privileges, on all
former occasions, gives good ground to hope the same
zeal for the public good will appear in future when necessity calls for their assistance; and lest the uncertain
length of time which forces raised. during the continuance of the present war may be compelled to serve, may
prevent many from inlisting who would otherwise readily manifest their attachment to the common cause, by
engaging for a limited time, therefore,
RESOLVED, That all non-commissioned officers and soldiers, who do not incline to engage their services during
the continuance of the present war, and shall inlist to
serve three years, unless sooner discharged by Congress,
shall be entitled to, and receive, all such bounty and
pay as are allowed to those who inlist during. the continuance of the present war, except the one hundred
acres of land, which land is to be granted to those only
who inlist without such limitation of time.




28'2              THE LEE PAPERS.
And each recruiting officer is required to provide
two distinct inlisting rolls; one for such to sign as
enlist during the continuance of the war, and the other
for such as inlist for three years, if their service shall
be so long required.
By order of the Congress,
JOHIN HANCOCK, Pres.
ADDRESS TO TO TE MILITIA FROM MASSACHUSETTS.
[November 16, 1776.]
GENERAL LEE most earnestly entreats and conjures
the Officers and Soldiers of the Massachusetts Militia
as they regard the sacred cause in which They are engag'd —as they respect the property of their fellow
citizens the security of their Fellow Soldiers and their
own honour that they will continue in their present
Posts a few  days longer —-Thursday shall be the utmost-The General cannot specify the reasons of his
being so earnest in his entreaties, but can assure'em
that it is of the last importance-from all the movements of the Enemies Troops there is the greatest
reason to assure ourselves that their abominable designs are already totally defeated. Nay We have
reason to believe that They themselves have abandoned
all thoughts of success, and that nothing but a base
and wicked defect of zeal and spirit in our soldiers
and officers can revive their hopes and it must be allowed that the refusing at such a crisis as this to remain under arms for the few days requested is not only
a scandalous but wicked defect in zeal virtue and spirit.
The General is himself persuaded that the Men if left
to themselves are not capable of so flagitious a conduct
— but that some few of their officers who unhappily
have been elected to stations their characters disgrace
have laboured to dissuade the soldiers from a resolution




THE LEE PAPERS.             283
which honour duty and religion demand of themthese officers are already known and shall be hung out
to the public notice as enemies and Pests to their Country.
Once more therefore the General earnestly recommends
to the officers and the men at large to follow their own
virtuous natural dispositions and comply with the request he has made  tho' at the same time he perhaps
ought to make an apology to'em for making use of so
earnest and energetick terms in requesting what in fact
is so trifling an exertion of fortitude and self denial as
to remain only four days longer under arms.
To( COLONEL REED.
Camp, November 16th 1776.
MY DEAR REED,
Whether it is owing to my ignorance of certain
circumstances, or what reason, I can't pretend to say,
but from the time the great Stores were secured, and
the impossibility of preventing the Enemyfrom passing
up and down the River ascertain'd, I confess I cannot
conceive what circumstances give to Fort Washingtion
so great a degree of value and importance as to counterbalance the probability or almost certainty of losing
1400 of our best Troops. In this perswasion, I cannot
help expressing my concern that General Greene has
reinforced it. I shou'd have been rather pleas'd had
he called off a considerable part of the Garrison-in
my opinion the Enemy will not besiege it so much
from an Idea of its intrinsic value as with a view of
saving their honour & figuring in the foreign papers.
You recommend to me some movements in order to distract —You must. be too well acquainted with the
natural strength of the Ground, not to see the facility of
circumvallating themselves hors d'insultL.
Yesterday I detach'd a Party of Eleven hundred




284             THE LEE PAPERS.
under Sullivan in hopes of surprising Rogers and his
neighbouring Brigade, but they had intelligence and
fled-The Militia leave us tomorrow-Our numbers
will be small to protect so large a tract of Country
from the depredations of the Enemy, which is really
an important point considering their circumstances, I
wish not to cede another inch and hope to effect it.
You may assure the General, that I will act offensively
to the utmost of my power.
Adieu, my Dr Reed. My respects to the General.
Yours Affectionately
C. LEE.
Col Reed.
From an apprehension that the original shou'd miscarry I send a copy by Peeks Kill.
FROM COLONEL REED.
Fort Lee, Nov. 16, 1776.
IDR GENERAL,
This Morning the Attack was made upon Mount
Washington by the whole of Gen. Howes Army in
three Divisions. —-our Troops kept the Lines as long
as could have been expected but were at length obliged
to yield to superior Numbers-They retired under the
Guns of the Fort which stopp'd the Approach of the
Enemy-soon after this a Flag went in from the Enemy
& since that there appears such an Intercourse that we
suppose the Fort has or will soon capitulate.  The
General has thought it proper you should have the earliest Advice of this Event that you may regulate yourself accordingly.
The General has directed me to suggest to your
Consideration the Use or Propriety of retaining your




TIE LEE PAPERS.              28 
present Post under all Circumstances & would be glad
to hear from you on the subject.
I am with much Regard
Yours
J. REED,
A.G.
To Major General Lee,
Camp near White Plains.
To COLONEL REED.
Novem. 17, 1776.
DEAR REED,
I received yours yesterday, and at the same time a
Note from Blodget Green's Secretary with the account
of the capitulation of Fort Washington-I have only
time to reply to the propriety of retaining our present
post —concisely'tis my opinion and the opinion of the
General Officers that we ought for manifold reasons
[The copy of the letter ends thus imperfectly with page 18 in a fragment of one of General Lee's letter-books containing pages 3-18 inclusive.]
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO WILLIAM PALFREY.
Hackensack, Nov' 18, 1776.
I just now Receivd the favor of your Letter of the
17th. I confess I did not expect that any Warrants
would have been presented to You for Payment except
those which I signed myself. The inconveniences which
might arise if several Persons in the same Army were
allowed to draw are obvious, and such as might prodnce great uneasiness and injustice to the Publick. All
that applied to me were told, that the Abstracts were




2 86           TIEE LEE PAPERS.
to be deposited with you, and sent down in order to be
signed by me at once, or that they would be compleated by my signature, if brought at different times.
I cannot allow double pay to Major Lee or any other
officer. It is~ expressly against the Resolves of Congress. The Militia will be payed on making out proper
abstracts, and such as are satisfactory to you,.as other
Troops are. You must inform their officers, that they
should be very particular in not charging for a longer
time than the men were in actual service & the abstracts should be Certified by their Brigr or Cols Commandants.
As I cannot conceive it will be for the Public good,
that Warrants should be drawn by differenit Officers,
and to prevent further mistakes on that account, I request that you will remove your office near my Head
Quarters, and pay no Warrants hereafter but such as
come from me, giving notice of your removal.
I shall mention to Congress the demands that will
be on you, desiring that provision may be made for the
same.
I am, Sir,
yr most Obedt Servt
Go WAsHINGTo N.
[To Lieut. Col. William Palfrey,
Paymaster General.]
To GENERAL JOHN SULLIVAN.
Head Quarters, North Castle,
19th November, 1776.
SIR,
I am directed by General Lee to request (as he is
going this morning to the Saw pits,) that you will act
in his stead till he returns, and give the necessary orders
for your division.




THE LEE PAPERS.              287
In any thing respecting Tories, that you will act according to your own discretion.
I am, Sir, Respectfully yours,
JOHN S. EUSTACE
A. P. Camnn.
Major General Sullivan.
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Camp, November 19th 1 776.
DEAR GENERAL:
The recommendation of General Greene which
you transmitted to me, threw the officers to whom
I communicated it into so great a flame of discontent, that I ventured, notwithstanding your orders,
to hesitate. They accused him of partiality to his connections and townsmen, to the prejudice of men of
manifestly superiour merit; indeed it appears from the
concurirent testimony of unbiassed persons, that some of
the subjects he recommended were wretched; in short,
I was so stunned with their clamour that I delayed till
the arrival of the committee; for which I ought to ask
your pardon, but at the same time think the delay has
been salutary.
My objections to moving from our present post are,
as I observed before, that it would give us the air
of being frightened; it would expose a fine fertile
country to their ravages; and, I must add, that we
are as secure as we could be in any position whatever.
We are pretty well disencumbered of our impediments,
which I propose depositing on or about Crumb Pond,
which, (though I confess I have not reconnoitered the
place,) from its situation, must be full as safe, and is
much more centrical than Peekskill. If on further examination it has any material disadvantages, we can
easily move from thence. As to ourselves, (light as we
are) several retreats present themselves. In short, if




288              THE: LEE PAPERS.
we keep a good look out, we are in no danger; but'I
must entreat your Excellency to enjoin the officers posted at Fort Lee to give us the quickest intelligence if
they observe any embarkations of troops in the North
River.
Our scouts are of late grown more vigilant, and
make prisoners. The Militia, according to their laudable custom, would not stay a moment beyond their
usual time. Oh, General, why would you be over-persuaded by men of inferiour judgment to your own?  It
was a cursed affair.
Yours, most affectionately,
CHARLES LEE.
To His Excellency General Washington,
Hackensack.
P. S. The returns of the soldiers of the different
regiments, now in the hands of the enemy, according
to the mode you require, are not yet made out, but will
soon, and shall be sent.
To BENJAMIN RUSH.
Camp, November 20th, 1776.
MY DEAR RUSH:
The affair at Fort Washington cannot surprise you
at Philadelphia more than it amazed and stunned me.
I must entreat that you will keep what I say to yourself; but I foresaw, predicted, all that has happened;
and urged the necessity of abandoning it; for could
we have kept it, it was of little or no use. Let these
few lines be thrown into the fire, and in your conversations only acquit me of any share of the misfortunefor my last words to the General were —draw off the
garrison, or they will be lost. You say I ought to desire the General to press the Congress for the necessary




THE LEE PAPERS.             289
articles. I have done it a thousand times, and the men
are now starving for the want of blankets. I confess your
apathy amazes me. You make me mad-You have
numbers-your soldiers do not want courage-but such
a total want of sense pervades all your counsels that
Heaven alone can save you. Inclosed are some hints.
I could say many things-let me talk vainly  had I the
powers I could do you much good  might I but dictate
one week-but I am sure you will never give any man
the necessary power-did none of the Congress ever
read the Roman History? Adieu, my dear Rush,
Yours most sincerely,
CHARLES LEE.
1 st. You must have an army-this army cannot be
had on the terms proposed-give'em the full bounty
and list'em only for a year and a half-in short you
have so bungled your affairs that you must come into
any terms.
2d. Put some military man at the head of the Board
of War.
3d. Strip even yourselves of blankets.
FROM WILLIAM GRAYSON.
Hackensack, November 20th 1776.
SIR,
His Excellency has directed me to write to you, and
acquaint you with the late movements of the enemy.
They landed this morning between Dobb's Ferry and Fort
Lee, as it is imagined, at a place called Closter Dock,
nearly.opposite to Phillips's House, and (as the General
has been informed) in great numbers, and an advanced
party of them have proceeded as far as a hill two miles
above the liberty pole, about a mile and a half above
General Greene's quarters, where I left his Excellency.
The road leading from thence to the bridge above HackVOL. II.-19




290             THE LEE PAPERS.
ensack, as well as the bridge, is open for our troops to
retreat; and from present appearances, it is expected
they may be got off without the loss of many of them.
What their object is cannot at present be clearly ascertained; but it is imagined the getting possession of
Fort Lee is one part of their design; however, it is possible, and perhaps probable, they may have other and
more capital views.
His Excellency thinks it would be advisable in you
to remove the troops under your command on this side
of the North River, and there wait for further orders.
I am, Sir, with the greatest respect, your most obedient Servant
W. GRAYSON.
To GENERAL HEATH.
Nov. 20. [21st, 1776.]
DEAR GENERAL,
I yesterday received your Note for which I thank
you, but had before received the intelligence of the
Enemys having landed in the Jersey. Colonel Reed
has written me a short Billet, that I do not well understand. I shall be obliged to you for some account of
the condition and progress of your Barracks, and what
number of Men they are or will be capable of lodging,
and what is the state of your defences shou'd you be
attack'd; as likewise your numbers and how they
are station'd, if you have any sketch of the country
be so kind as to favor me with it, and am Dr General
Yours most Sincerely
C. L.
To General Heath, Peekskill.




THE LEE PAPERS.             291
To GENERAL HEAThT.
Novemr 21 17'6.
DR GENERAL,
I have just received a Recommendation not a positive order, from the General, to move the Corps under
my Command to the other side of the River. This
recommendation was I imagine on the presumption
that I had already moved nearer the Peekskills, there
is no possibility of crossing over Dobb's Ferry, or at
any place lower than Kings Ferry, which to us, would
be such an immense round, that we cou'd never answer any purpose. I must therefore desire and request, that you will order two thousand of your Corps,
under a Br General'to cross the River, apprize the
General, & wait his farther Orders.  As soon as we
have finish'd a necessary Jobb, I will replace the number from hence which Jobb will I believe be finished
tomorrow.
I am Dr General, Yours
CHARLES LEE.
TO JAMES BOWDOIN.
Camp at Philipsburg, November 21, 1776.
DEAR SiR:
Before the unfortunate affair of Fort Washington,
it was my opinion that the two armies that on the,
east and that on the west side of North River-must
rest each on its own bottom; that the idea of detaching and reinforcing from one side to the other,
on every motion of the enemy, was chimerical; but to
harbour such a thought in our present circumstances is
absolute insanity. In this invasion, should the enemy
alter the present direction of their operations, and attempt to open the passage of the Highlands, or enter
New-England, I should never entertain a thought of




292              TILE LEE PAPERS.
being succonred from the western army. I know it is
impossible. We must therefore depehnd upon ourselves.
To Connecticut and Massachusetts, I shall look for assistance. The time of service of the men who compose
the little Corps under my command is near expiring.
The enemys troops are well clad for a winter campaign. Should they attempt when the winter sets in
to open the communication of the Highlands, or enter
New-England, I know not what we have to oppose'enl.
Some means must be devised to raise your regular bat.
talions, for as to your Militia, they are grown more
detestable than ever, not from the bad quality of the
men, for they are certainly good, but from the wretched
character of the officers, particularly the lower sort,
who want every attribute of soldiers and citizens.
They want spirit, patience, constitution, integrity, and
publick virtue of course. If your men run away you
may be assured that the way is led by the officers.
There are, notwithstanding, some worthy  subjects
amongst'em, but the bad preponderates so enormously
that little confidence can be placed in your Militia. I
must repeat, therefore, that I hope not only the legislative body, but the whole Gentlemen of the New-England Provinces, will exert themselves to forward the
completion of the Continental regiments. For Heaven's
sake, Sir, contrive to send us some blankets, otherwise
we must dissolve away before the time of our natural
death.  I hope the cursed job of Fort Washington
will occasion no dejection: the place itself was of no
value. For my own part I am persuaded that if we
only act with common sense, spirit, and decision, the
day must be our own.
Adieu, dear Sir, and believe me to be, most respect
fully, yours
CHARLES LEE.
To the President of the
Council of Massachusetts.




THE LEE PAPERS.             293
FROM COLONEL REED.
Hackensack, Nov. 21, 1776.
DR GENERAL:
The Letter you will receive with this contains my
Sentiments with Respect to your present Station: But
besides this I have some additional Reasons for most
earnestly wishing to have you where the principal
Scene of Action is laid. I do not mlean to flatter, nor
praise you at the Expence of any other, but I confess I
do think that it is entirely owing to you that this Army
& the Liberties of America so far as they are dependant on it are not totally cut off. You have Decision,
a Quality often wanting in Minds. otherwise valuable
& I ascribe to this our Escape from York Island —from
Kingsbridge & the Plains-& I have no Doubt had
you been here the Garrison at Mount Washington
would now have composed a Part of this Army. Under
all these Circumstances I confess I ardently wish to see
you removed from a Place where I think there will be
little Call for your Judgment & Experience to the
Place where they are like to be so necessary. Nor
am I singular in my Opinion-every Gentleman of the
Family the Officers & soldiers generally have a Confidence in you —the Enemy constantly inquire where
you are, & seem to me to be less confident when you
are present.
Col. Cadwallader, thro a special Indulgence on
Acet of some Civilities shewn by his Family to Gen.
Prescot has been liberated from New-York without
any Parole —he informs, that the Enemy have a Southern Expedition in View-that they hold us very cheap
in Consequence of the late Affair at Mount Washington
where both the Plan of Defence & Execution were
contemptible-if a real Defence of the Lines was intended the Number was too few, if the Fort only, the
Garrison was too numerous by half.-General Washington's own Judgment seconded by Representations from




294              THE LEE PAPERS.
us, would I believe have saved the Men & their Arms
but unluckily, General Greene's Judgt was contraiy this
kept the Generals Mind in a State of Suspence till
the Stroke was struck —Oh! General —an indecisive
Mind is one of the greatest Misfortunes that can befall
an Army —how often have I lamented it this Campaign.
All Circumstances considered we are in a very
awful & alarming State one that requires the utmost
WVisdom & Firmness of Mind-as soon as the Season
will admit I think yourself & some others should go
to Congress & form the Plan of the new Army —point
out their Defects to them & if possible prevail on them
to bind their whole Attention to this great Object —
even to the Exclusion of every other —If they will not
or cannot do this, I fear all our Exertions will be vain
in this Part of the World. Foreign Assistance is solliciting but we cannot expect they will fight the whole
Battle-but Artillery & Artillerists must be had, if
possible.I intended to have said more but the Express is
waiting-& I must conclude with my clear & explicit
Opinion that your Presence is of the last ImportanceI am with much Affection & Regard
Your very Affec.
Hbbl Ser
J REED
To Major Gen. Lee,
White Plains.
FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Hackinsac, Novr 21"t 1776.
DEAR GENERAL,
It must he painful to you as well as to us, to have




THE LEE PAPERS.              295
no news to send you, but of a melancholy nature.
Yesterday.morning, the Enemy landed a large body of
troops, below Dobbs Ferry, and.advanced very rapidly
to the fort call'd by your name; I immediately went
over, & as the fort was not tenable on this side, & we
in a narrow neck of land, the passes out of which, the
enemy were attempting to seize, directed the troops
consisting of Beal's, Heard's the remainder of Erving's
brigades, & some other parts of broken regiments, to
move over to the West side of Hackensac river; a considerable quantity of stores, and some artillery have
fall'n into their hands; we have, no accounts of their
movements this morning; but as this country is almost
a dead flatt, we have not an intrenching tool, & not
above 3000 men, & they much broken & dispirited not
only with our ill success, but the loss of their tents and
baggage, I have resolved to avoid any attack, tho' by
so doing, I must leave a very fine country open to their
ravages, or a plentiful store house, from which they
will draw voluntary supplies.
Your favour of the 19thth is just come to hand. I
approve of your step with respect to the Rhode Island
officers, as I am unacquainted with their merits. I was
obliged to leave the determination of this matter much
to Gen' Green, hoping I confess that he would make an
arrangement acceptable to his Country men; however I
am well satisfied with what you have done, & must
leave it on that footing.
With respect to your situation, I am very much at
a loss, which now to determine. There is such a change
of circumstances since the date of your letter, as seems
to call for a change of measures; your post will undoubtedly answer some important purposes, but whether
so many or so great as your removal is well worthy of
consideration. You observe, it prevents a fine fertile
country affording them supplies; but now they have
one much more so and more contiguous; They have
traversed a part of that Country, leaving little behind
them; is it probable they will return? if not, the dis



296              THE LEE PAPERLS.
tance must be too great in winter time, to render it
effectually serviceable; Upon the whole, therefore, I
am of opinion, and the gentlemen about me concur in
it, that the public interest requires your coming over
to this side with the Continental Troops, leaving Fellows's & Wadsworth's brigades to take care of the stores
during their short stay, at the expiration of which I
suppose they will set out home.
My reasons for this measure & which I think must
have weight with you, are, that the Enemy are evidently
changing the seat of War to this side of the North
river-That this Country therefore will expect the Continental Army to give what support they can, or failing
in this, will cease to depend upon or support a force,
from which no protection is giv'n to them. It is therefore of the utmost importance, that at least an appearance of force should be made to keep this Province in
the connection with the others; if that should not continue, it is much to be feared, that its influence on Pensylvania would be very considerable, and more & more
endanger our publick interests; Unless therefore some
new event should occur, or some more cogent reason
present itself, I would have you move over, by the
easiest and best passage; I am sensible your numbers
will not be large, & that perhaps it may not be agreeable to the troops: As to the first, report will exaggerate them, & present the appearance of an army, which
at least will have an effect to encourage the desponding
here; and, as to the other you will doubtless represent
to them that in duty and gratitude, their service is due
wherever the Enemy make the greatest impression or
seem to intend so to do.
The stores at North Castle, Croton bridge, & King's
Ferry, are to be removed to Peek's-Kill so as to be
under Gen' Heath's eye; this, we hope, there will be
time & means to do.
Coll. Putnam who has been surveying the Country,
thinks the bridge at Croton river a very important
place; and that troops would be necessary there: you




THE LEE PAPERS.              297 
will please to regard it accordingly by leaving, or ordering one Regiment there.
I am Sir, With great regard,
Yr most obt. Servt,
G~ WASHINGTON
To The Honble. Major Genl. Lee,
at the White Plains.
FROM GENERAL HEATH.
Peeks Kill Nov. 21st 1776.
DR GENERAL,
I have just received your favor of this Days DateI Imagine that you have ere this received an account
of cur loss of ordnance, stores, Provisions, Tents &~ on
the West Side of Hudsons River which is rumored here,
and I fear is but too true.
As to the state of the Barracks in this Quarter, it is
not many days since I arrived here, during which I
have been pushing the Works & Buildings as far as
Possible. Barracks are propos'd to be built in & near
this place for about 3,500 men, and at the north entrance of the Highlands for about 2000. I am informed that at the latter place several are in Good forwardness, at this place those sufficient
14 or 1500 men are in -a Pretty Good way.
I have here upwards of 4000 men
the Garrisons of Fort Montgomery
and Independence, I have disposed
the following manner, vizt Two
the West side of Hudson River
of the mountains near Siduny
River —a Brigade
Peeks-Kill Landing &
Gorge of the mountains
beyond Robinson's Bridge, which is the Principal Pass




298              THE LEE PAPERS.
on the East side of the River-works and barracks are
constructing at each of those posts. The Ground by
nature Exceedingly strong, but being very rocky the
works require a large Proportion of, which
we cannot make being almost Entirely destitute of Bill
Hooks, and altho our Engineer has repeatedly wrote in
pressing terms for them, few have as yet been obtained,
and at the same time numbers of them as I informed
are in the stores below entirely useless.
Colonel Putnam acquaints me that there is another
pass through the Highlands about Eleven Miles East
of this, but rather Inconsiderable, but that Nine miles
further he is informed there is a very Good one. He
rides tomorrow or next Day
view it carefully-I have not as yet
of the country round this Place, Colonel
is preparing one, but it is not as yet
I think we shall quffei
as to grain I think there will
I am Dr General
Y
General Lee.
P. S. Some of our Batteries on the River are very
good on the water side, we are endeavouring to secure
them as fast as possible in the Rear-Attempts have
been made to fix a chain a Cross the River which has
twice broke. A Committee from the Convention of
the State of New York assisted by some officers Here
have been sounding the River through the Highlands,
and have found it in one or two places favorabl3 to be
obstructed.
Yours,
W. H.




THE LEE PAPERS.             299
FROM GENERAL HEATH.
Peekskill, November 21, 1776
10 oclock at night.
DEAR GENERAL:
I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your favours of this day's date, the former of which I had answered early in the evening. With respect to the latter,
upon having recourse to my instructions, I find they are
such as not to admit of moving any part of the troops
from the posts assigned to me, unless it be by express
orders from his Excellency or to support you in case
you are attacked. My instructions, among other things,
are as follows:
"' Your division, with such troops as are now at Forts
Montgomery, Independence, and Constitution, are to be
under your command, and remain in this quarter, for
the security of the above posts and the passes through
the Highlands from this place and the one on the west
side of Hudson's River-Unnecessary it is for me to
say anything to evince the importance of securing the
land and water communication through these passes, or
to prove the indispensable necessity of using every exertion in your power to have such works erected for the
defence of them as your own judgment, assisted by that
of your Brigadiers and Engineer, may show the expediency of. You will not only keep in view the importance of securing these passes, but the necessity of doing it without delay, not only from the probability of
the enemy's attempting to seize them, but from the advanced season, which will not admit of any spade work
after the frost (which may be daily expected) sets in.
Lose not a moment therefore in choosing the grounds on
the east and west side of the river, on which your intended works are to be erected. Let your men for each
post be speedily allotted,". &c
After instructions so positive and pressing, you will
readily agree, that it would be very improper in me to




300              TfIE LEE PAPERS.
order any of the troops from, posts to which they are so
expressly assigned, and from business which in his Excellency's view is so very important. Add to this, their
present disposition is such that to collect anything near
the number you mention would occasion as great delay,
and cause many of them to march nearly as far, as if
sent immediately from. your quarter.
I am, dear General, with esteem,
Yours respectfully,
W. HEATH
General Lee.
To MESHECH WEARE.
General Lee's Quarters, November 21, 1776.
May it please your Excellency: Hurry of business
at present prevents the General from writing himself.
He has desired me to apologize for the same, and to inform your Excellency that there is the greatest probability of the enemy's paying you a visit very soon, a deserter having just come from the enemy, who declares'twas in orders they should embark this day. Their design is, we imagine, to obtain secure winter quarters for
themselves and shipping. Yesterday they landed, by
the best intelligence we can get, about five thousand, in
the Jerseys, four miles from Dobbs's Ferry. The particulars, since they landed, we have not learned. This
manceuvre don't look like embarking, but the deserter
appears so confident in his assertion that the General
thought proper to acquaint your Excellency of it immediately.
I am, Sir, with respect, your obedient, humble Servant
WILLIAM BRADFORD,
Aid-de-Camp to General Lee
By General Lee's orders.
To President Weare of New Hampshire.
[The same to Gov. Nich. Cooke of Rhode Island.]




THE LEE PAPERS.              301
To COLONEL REED.
Camp Nov'r ye 21st'1776.
DR SIR —
I have just receiv'd your letter dated Hackensac by
Cornelius Cooper-his Excellency recommends it to me to
move with the Troops under my command to the other
side the River-I apprehend that this advice is founded
on the presumption either that We have the means. of
crossing at or nearer Dobbs Ferry, or that my Corps
is mov'd up the Country near to Kings Ferry. There
are no means of passing Dobbs Ferry-and as We remain
where you left us, the round by Kings Ferry wou'd be
so great that We cou'd not be there in time to answer
any purpose —I have therefore order'd General Heath
who is close to the only Ferry which can be pass'd, to detach two thoushand men-to apprize his Excellency, and
wait his further orders a mode which I flatter myself
will answer better what I conceive to be the spirit of
the orders than shou'ld I move the Corps from hencewithdrawing our Troops from hence, would be attended with some very serious consequences which at present
wou'd be tedious to enumerate-as to myself, I hope to
set out to-morrow.
I am, my Dr Sir, YoursCHARLES LEE.
Colonel Reed, Adjutant General
of the Continental Forces, Hackensack, P Express.
The bearer Mr. Cornelious Cooper is Express to His
Excellency Genl Washington.
INSTRUCTIONS TO GEN. NIXON.
Camp, November 22d 1776.
SIR,
You are to proceed with the two Brigades and Par.
ty of Light Horse under your Command to Phillips's




302              TIIE LEE PAPERS.
house —but previously you are to detach some able
Scouts who are to reconnoitre well the Ground, and
observe if there is no Body of the Enemy in or near the
place superior to your own. You are to subdivide a
sufficient' number of your men into small parties who
beginning at Phillips's house are to collect all the stout
able horses-all the Cattle fat and lean —all the sheep
and hogs, leaving only some milch Cows and a few hogs
requisite for the immediate subsistence of the Families.
You are to oblige the People to deliver up all their
Blankets and Coverlings reserving only one to each Person. You are to give Certificates to the families for
every article taken, and upon your return deliver to the
Commissary General all the fat Cattle-to the Quarter
Master General all the Blankets and Coverings, the
lean horses and cattle, taking receipts for the same-if
it should happen to rain before you arrive at the point
order'd I wou'd by no means have you expose your men
to the Wet-but lodge'em in the barns & houses as
well as you can taking care to place proper Guards and
Centinels to secure you against Surprises-above all it
is strictly enjoin'd you not to suffer your soldiers and
officers to pillage plunder or insult the wretch'd people.
CHARLES LEE.
To Brigr Genl. Nixon.           Major Gen'l.
ADDITIONS. During the night flanking Parties wou'd
only occasion confusion-You are therefore to have none
-as soon as the day appears you are to detach the
sixth part from each Corps. Your own judgment will
direct and the nature of the ground point out on
which flank They are to       or whether it will be
necessary that both sides should be flanked. I must
particularly request that you have a strong Advanced
Party of a field officer and an hundred and fifty menthat Capt. Lewis with fiety scouts advance before them
at least a mile and a half in front. Your light horse in
advancing ought to bring up the rear at an hundred
yards distance  in retreating the same  I once more




THIE LEE PAPERS.              303
repeat that if it rains you will lodge your men as well
as you can. Above all let the strictest silence be observed. When you return these orders are to be re-delivered to me.
Enzdorsed: N~ 31. Nov. 22d.'76. Gen. Nixon's Instructions with a
return of the Cattle, Sheep, Hogs, Horses &c. taken off Philips Manor.
To THE PRESIDENT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL.
Camp near Phillipsbourg, 22d November, 1776.
SIR:
Indecision bids fair for tumbling down the goodly
fabrick of American freedom, and, with it, the rights of
mankind.'Twas indecision of Congress prevented our
having a noble army, and on an excellent footing.'Twas indecision in our military councils which cost us
the garrison of Fort Washington, the consequence of
which must be fatal, unless remedied in time by a
contrary spirit. Enclosed I send you an extract of a
letter from the General, on which you will make your
comments; and I have no doubt but that you will
concur with me in the necessity of raising immediately
an army to save us from perdition. Affairs appear in
so important a crisis, that I think even the resolves of
the Congress must no longer too nicely weigh with us.
We must save the community in spite of the ordinances
of the Legislature. There are times when we must
commit treason against the laws of the State for the
salvation of the State. The present crisis demands this
brave, virtuous kind of treason.  For my own part (and
I flatter myself that my way of thinking is congenial
with that of Mr. Bowdoin's) I will stake my head and
reputation on the propriety of the measure.  To come
to the point: I request and conjure you, therefore, to
waive all formalities, and devise some means of completing not only your regiments prescribed to the
Province, but add, if possible, four companies to each




304              THE LEE PAPERS.
regiment. We must not only have a force sufficient to
cover your Province and these fertile districts from the
insults and irruptions of the tyrant's troops, but sufficient to drive'em  out of all their quarters in the
Jerseys, or all is lost. Disaffection is daily increasing
in Pennsylvania, which must be checked by a tremendous superiority. In the meantime send up a formidable body of Militia to supply the place of the Continental troops, which I am ordered to convey over the
river. Let your people be well supplied with blankets
and warm clothes as I am determined by the help of
God to unnest'em even in the dead of winter. Let me
hear from you soon.
Yours most affectionately and respectfully
CHARLES LEE.
For Heaven's sake lose no time in sending up the
Militia, and a number of shoes, stockings, and blankets,
for the army. If Massachusetts and Connecticut do not
now exert themselves, they must, and indeed ought to
be, enslaved; but if they act with the necessary vigour
and virtue, I will answer for their success.
To GENERAL HEATH.
Camp, November 23d 1776.
SIR:
By your mode of reasoning, the General's inj unctions
are so binding that not a tittle must be broke through
for the salvation of the General and the Army. I have
ordered Glover's brigade to march up towards the
Peeks Kills to put the passage of the Highlands out of
danger; but I intended to take two thousand from your
division with me into the Jerseys; so I must desire that
you will have that number in readiness by the day after
tomorrow, when I shall be with you early in the forenoon; and am, Sir, your most obedient Servant
CHARLES L:EE.
Major-General Heath.




THE LEE' PAPERS.            305
FROM GENERAL HEATH.
Peekskill, November 24th 1776.
SIR:
Be my mode of reasoning as it may, I conceive it to
be my duty to obey my instructions, especially those
which are positive and poignant; and that to deviate
from them, even in extreme cases, would be an errour;,
though perhaps an errour on the right side.
I can assure you, Sir, that I have the salvation of'
the General and Army so much at heart that the least
recommendation from him, to march my division, or
any part of them, over the river, should have been instantly obeyed, without waiting for a positive order.
My conduct must be approved or censured, as I adhere to, or depart from, my orders; and as it is my
duty, I shall strictly abide by them, until they are
countermanded in such manner, as will justify a deviation from them, to him who instructed me, and to the
world.
I shall be happy in being honoured with your com-.
pany to-morrow;
And am, with respect and esteem,
Your obedient humble servant,
W. HEATH.
General Lee.
To COLONEL REED.
Camp, Nov'r ye 24th 1776:.
MY DR. REED
I receiv'd your most obliging flattering letter-lament with you that fatal indecision of mind which in
war is a much greater disqualification than stupidity or
even want of personal courage-accident may put a decisive Blunderer in the right-but eternal defeat and
miscarriage must attend the man of the best parts if
VOL. II. —20




306              THE LEE PAPERS.
curs'd with indecision. The General recommends in
so pressing a manner as almost to amount to an order
to bring over the Continental Troops under my command-which recommendation or order throws me into
the greatest dilemma from sev'ral considerations-Part
of the troops are so ill furnish'd with shoes and stockings blankets &cc that They must inevitably.perish in
this wretched weather-part of'em are to be dismissed on Saturday next and this part is the best accoutred
for service-What shelter We are to find on the other
side the river is a serious consideration: but these
considerations shou'd not sway me; my reason for not
having march'd already-is that We have just receiv'd
intelligence that Rogers's Corps, the L. Horse, part of
the Highlanders and another Brigade lye in so expos'd
a situation as to give the fairest opportunity of being
carried off. I shou'd have attempted it last night but
the rain was too violent, and when our pieces are
wet you know our Troops are hors de combat —This
night I hope will be better-if We succeed We shall
be well compensated for the delay-We shall likewise
be able in our return to clear the Country of all the
articles wanted by the Enemy-in evry view therefore the expedition must answer —I have just receiv'd
a most flattering letter from Don Louis Venzaga, Governor of N. Orleans-He gives me the title of Genelral
de los estados unidos Americanos, which is a tolerable step towards declaring himself our ally in positive
terms-the substance is that He is sensible of the vast
advantages which must result from  the separation to
his Master and Nation-that He cannot positive enter
into a regular system of commerce without consulting
his Master but in the meantime He will render us all
the service in his Power —I only'wait myself for this
busyness I mention of Rogers & Co being over —shall
then fly to you-for to confess a truth I really think
our Chief will do better with me than without meI am Dr Reed yours most sincerely
CHARLES LEE.




THE ILEE PAPERS.            307
Inclos'd is a petition from [some] of the poor sufferers
from Austin's expedition —I beg the General will forward it to Congress.
Colonel ReedTo GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Camp, Nover 24th, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL,
I have received your Orders and shall endeavour to
put'em in execution, but question much whether I
shall be able to carry wth me any considerable number,
not so much from a want of zeal in the men, as from
their wretched condition with respect to shoes, stockings, blankets, &c which the present bad weather renders more intolerable I sent Heath orders to transport
two thousand men across the River, apprize the General
and wait for further orders, but that great man (as I
might have expected) intrench'd himself within the
Letter of his Instructions and refused to part with a
single file, tho' I undertook to replace'em with a part
of my own. I shou'd march this day with Glovers
Brigade, but have just received intelligence that
Roger's Corps, a part of the Light Horse, and another
Brigade lye in so exposed a situation as to present us
the fairest opportunity of carryg'em off-if we succeed,
it will have a great effect, and amply compensate'for
two days delay.
I am Dr General Yours most Sincerely
CHARLES LEE.
To His Excellency General Washington.




308              THE LEE PAIPERS.
To THE COMMISSIONERS FROM MASSACHUSETTS.
Camp, lNovemr ye 24th 1776.
GENTLEMEN:
As I flatter myself that I have given reasons to the
Continent of America that I am above all jobbs and
partiality, that I would not recommend nay twin Brother unless I thought him capable of filling the Station
with dignity; I hope that what I now venture to say
will not be taken in a wrong sense, but that you will
attribute it to the real motive, my love and zeal for
America. It is the sole principle that actuates me —for
Heavens sake, Gentlemen, as you regard the honour and
safety of your Country, as you regard the liberties of
Posterity and the particular reputation of your Province
let all consideration of coniexions or personal interests
be waved for the present. Your Liberties stand on the
verge of perdition, they depend on the quality and character-of your Army, and the character and quality of
your Army depend on the choice of your officers —in
this conviction, I must be free to say that your appointment of Colonel Henshaw to a Regiment must have bad
consequences. He is from what 1 have seen totally unfit for such a station, such an election will cast a damp
on the really deserving. They will begin to think that
valour, industry, and activity will be of no importance,
and that Connexions or personal Interest are to carry
all before'em; of course they will no longer labour to
qualify themselves essentially for their Country's service
Your soldiers are brave, and your arms have been duly
disgraced by the incompetency of your officers —it is
time to remedy the evil-if partiality is at this crisis to
bear down all before it, your Cause must be despair'd
of. You have many capable Officers amongst you; for
God's sake, therefore, Gentlemen, look about you, and
chuse some fitter subject. I most earnestly entreat your
pardon for the liberty I take; but am sure that on reflection you will not only excuse but thank me for the




THE LEE PAPERS.             309
admonition rough and presuming as it may appear to
be, that God Almighty may inspire us all, civil and
military, with the pure and sole desire of serving America, in this tremendous crisis is the prayer of, Gentlemen,
Your most obed? Servant
CHARLES LEE.
To The Hono The Commissioners
from the State of Massachusetts Bay.
FRom GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Newark, Novr 24th 1776.
DEAR SIR,
By the negligent and infamous conduct of the post
rider, the Eastern Mail of Friday was brought to Hackensac and there stopped to fall into the hands of the
Enemy. Supposing it may have contained some letters
from you of a public nature, I have thought it proper
to give you the earliest notice, that you may guard
against any advantages the Enemy may expect to derive from the accident.
I perceive by your letter to Col~ Reed, that you
have entirely mistaken, my views in ordering Troops
from Gen. Heath's Division to this Quarter. The posts
and i'asses in the Highlands are of such infinite importance that they should not be subjected to the least possible degree of risk. Col. Reed's second letter will have
sufficiently explained my intention upon this subject, and
pointed out to you that it was your division which I
wanted & wish to march. As the Enemy have possessed themselves of the usual route of Dobbs Ferry and
Hackensac it will be necessary for you to choose some
back way in which you and your Troops may come secure. I doubt not they will try to intercept you, if this
precaution is not used, and therefore have been induced




310             THE LEE PAPERS.
to mention it. I would also mention the necessity of
my hearing frequently from you in the course of your
march, in order to a due regulation of matters, and that
I may know how to conduct myself.
I am D. Sir,
Your most obt Servt
Go WASHINGTON.
P. S. I have received your favor of the 20th and feel
with you for the distresses of the Army for want of necessary cloathing and covering. I have pointed this
out to Congress several times. How to remedy it, I
know not. From the number of prizes taken at the
Eastward, I should suppose the Troops from thence
could have been much better provided with necessaries
than from the more southern States, u here they have
not the same advantages of an open Navigation.
The Honbie Major Genl. Lee.
FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Newark, November 24th 1776.
DEAR SIR,
I wrote you this morning of the probability that
some of your letters to me had fallen with the' mail
into the- enemy's hands. My apprehensions on that
head have been since confirmed by direct intelligence
from their camp. I am informed that a letter from you
is confidently said. to- have come to their hands, and that
measures are undertaken to intercept your march. To
prevent them from effecting this object, I have judged
it proper to acquaint you of this accident, and of their
design; at the same time I must request that you will
take every precaution to come by a safe and secure
route. I am told by those who have an intimate know



TtIE LEE PAPERS.            311
ledge of the country, that after you leave Haverstraw
the western Road by Kakiate will be proper for you
to take. But I will not undertake to prescribe any one
in particular, only observing, that you will by all means
keep between the enemy and the mountains.
Before I conclude, I would wish you to leave under
the care of General Heath, the two twelve-pounders on
travelling carriages. They will be safe with him at
Peekskill. The brass twenty four I would have you
bring, provided it can be done without great inconvenience.
I need not urge'the necessity of your gaining intelligence of the enemy's situation in the course of your
march; I will be silent on that head; nor need I mention the propriety of your sending frequent expresses,
to advise of your approaches. Hoping and trusting
that your arrival will be safe and happy,
I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Major General Lee.
P. S. The expresses should come by the western
road otherwise they may fall in with the enemy. Enclosed you will receive a copy of sundry resolves of
Congress, which you will publish in orders.
To THE COMMISSIONERS FROM MASSACHUSiTTS.
Camp, Novernr 25th 1776.
GENTLEMEN,
Colonels Varnum  & Hitchcock will deliver you
this Note. I am more confirm'd in the propriety of
what I took the liberty to recommend yesterday. I
entreat and conjure you to retain Colonel Little, if possible, and to discard all thoughts of Heplshaw-the
prejudice will be infinite from such a strange election




312              THE LEE PAPERS.
I once more request your Pardons for the liberty I take,
and assure you that I am Gentlemen
Yours most faithfully
CHARLES LEE.
To the Hono. The Committee
of Massachusetts Bay
To JAMES BowDOIN.
Camp at Phillipsburg, November ye 25th
DEAR SIn,
Would it not be prudent to order all the Continental stores to a more centrical place than Boston?
Worcester, for instance, I should think would be a convenient place. There is another reason for this measure: should the enemy take it into their heads to send
a fleet before Boston, in the confusion, when every man
is attentive to his own affairs, the publick is totally
neglected. The small armls should likewise be moved.
For Heaven's sake, Sir, devise some means of furnishing us with blankets. Can no method be found of
putting a stop to the enormous and impious extortion
of the merchants on the soldiers?
I am, dear Sir, your most obedient Servant
CHARLES LEE.
The Honourable James Bowdoin,
President of the Council of Massachusetts.
FuOM GENERAL JOHN SULLIVAN.
Novemr 26th, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL,
Col. Scammel ordered a Party of thirty Men from
my Division to relieve a Party of Glover's stationed at
Dobbs Ferry they marched by way of Tarry Town and




TEE LEE PAPERS.             313
were met since dark by a Party of Horse about twelve
or fifteen in Number about three Miles on this side of
Tarry Town. The Party of Horse upon discovering
our people halted in the road and were hailed by our
party but made no answer, but rode off near half a
mile and halted again. Our party came up with them
hailed a second time and received no answer.  The
Horse retreated about the same Distance and there
halted until our People came up, upon hailing them a
third time and receiving no answer our Party fired,
upon which the Horse retreated again. The officer dispatched a Messenger to me and pursued.  I have
ordered out a hundred and fifty men to cover our
Party if any thing further is necessary you will please
to let me know.
I am with much Respect
Your Excellency's most obt. hble Servt
JNO. SULLIVAN.
FROM GENERAL JOHN SULLIVAN.
Tuesday Evening, [Nov. 26. 1T776.]
D" GENL
The Party fired upon by our People turned out to
be a number of Tories which 1 learn by a second Message from Lt Rust I have therefore dismissed the Party
I ordered out
I am, Dear Gen'., Yours &~
JNO. SULLIVAN.
His Excellency Genl. Lee.
To GENERAL HEATH.
Camp, Philipsbourg Novemr 26th 1776.
SIR,
I perceive that you have formed an opinion to yourself that shou'd General Washington remove to the




314             THE LEE PAPERS.
streights of Magellan, the instructions he left with you
upon a particular occasion, have to all intents and
purposes invested you with a command separate from,
and independent of any other superior. That General
Heath & General Lee are merely two Major Generals,
who perhaps ought to hold a friendly intercourse with
each other, and when this humour or fancied Interests
prompts, may afford mutual assistance; but that General
Heath is by no means to consider himself obliged to
obey any Orders of the. Second in Command —this Idea
of yours, Sir, may not only be prejudicial to yourself
but to the Public. I cou'd wish Sir, before things go
any further you wou'd correct the notion. I enjoin'd
you to send two thousand men over the River and inform'd you that I wou'd replace'em with an equal
number, this was the only mode in my power of complying with the intentions of the General, but it seems
your danger was so imminent and your instructions
so positive that instead of taking a step which both
duty & Common sense dictated, you are so kind as to
advise me to send the Troops from hence-the two
Days march from here to Peekskill and the Want of
Waggons with the badness of the road making no sort
of difference. But I must Inform you, Sir, that we
cou'd not have been (such are our circumstances) in
less than five days at Peeks Kill, and that five days
may turn the fate of an Empire. If any misfortune
shou'd happen from this refusal, you must answer for
it. If any misfortune had happen'd to your present
post by the detachment of these two thousand men
from your Corps, the blame wou'd have fallen upon
me-But enough on this subject, I shall therefore
Conclude, that the Commander in Chief is now separated
from us, that I of course command on this side the
Water, that for the future I must & will be obey'd.
I am Sir, Yr. Hum. Servt'
CHARLES LEE.
To Major General Heath.




THE LEE PAPERS.             315
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Camp, Philipsbourg Novembr ye 26, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL,
It never was my Idea to leave the Highlands unguarded, but only for expedition's sake that Heath should
detach two thousand of his corps immediately over the
River, and to replace these two thousand by the same
number the most lightly accoutred from this Body here'till the Main Body with their Baggage, Cannon, &c,
cou'd move. I conceived this movement cou'd be attended with no risk, as he has now nothing to guard but
the Western Passages-for there is no possibility of
their approaching by the Eastern, having as I can
learn, no vessels on the Eastern River to transport
their cannon and the Road from Kingsbridge by
Land is now almost impracticable —the want of Carriages and this disappointment with respect to Heath,
but above all the alarms, we have been thrown into by
the activity of the Tories, and the important consideration of leaving this Country in a tolerable state of
security on my departure, have still detained me here.
The Enemy kept a very considerable part of their
Force on this side of Kings Bridge'till yesterday-so
considerable indsed that from what we saw, we conceived the numbers transported to the Jerseys not near
so great as you were taught to think. This and the
apprehension of their gleaning all the forage of this
district, contributed to the other considerations I have
mention'd have detain'd me so much longer than I cou'd
have wish'd. Yesterday they drew themselves in, and
at the same time we made a sweep of the Country from
Philips's house-part of the Army have moved on —I
set out tomorrow. No militia are come in to cover the
Country. I have wrote most pressing Letters on this
subject to Trumbull & hope they will have effect. I
have been equally urgent with Mr Bowdoin for Blankets,
Shoes, &c indeed our Soldiers are not in a moving condition but seem well disposed and engage themselves




316              THE LEE PAPERS.
beyond expectation, but we are in great want of money
for bounty. I have, been under the necessity without
authority to draw for this purpose —several deserters
come out to day inform us that a considerable embarkation is made for Amboy-I shall take care to obey
yr Excellency's orders in regard to my march as exactly
as possible, and am
Dr General, Yours,
CHARLES LEE.
His Excellency General Washington,
Neswark.
To SIR WILLIAM HOWE.
[November 26th, 1776.]
SIR,
Inclos'd is a letter from the Widow of General
Montgomery to Lady Ranelagh, with another addressed
to Colonel Darby, which I have no doubt of being
transmitted —there are two circumstances I beg leave
to mention to your excellency which mutual interest
and humanity require to be ascertained —the first is the
sacredness of Hospitals. I conceive that in all parts of
the modern world Hospitals are or ought never to be
disturbed. Unless some regulation of this kind takes
place the sick and wounded on both sides may suffer
in a manner which I am persuaded is repugnant to your
generous way of thinking, and I flatter myself that you
will believe is not less disagreeable to mine-an instance of this kind fell out the other day —Two Hessian Chasseurs were taken Prisoners, one of whom was
very much wounded. I left a surgeon's mate to attend
and his unhurt comrade to nurse him. Some of your
L. Horse broke into the house and most inhumanly
murdered the wretch'd mate —the natural consequence
of such a procedure will be the massacre of those who
shall hereafter unfortunately be wounded and taken.
I wou'd propose, sir, therefore that every Hospital




THE LEE PAPERS.              317
should be sacred from insults, that the Surgeons and
Attendants shou'd not be considered as lawful Prisoners-that in order to distinguish the Hospitals from
Common houses, a White flag should be hoisted on the
Top and the title inscribed on the door —if any abuses
shou'd be made of this regulation the infamy must redound on the heads of the Generals of either Partythe other circumstance I have to mention is the treatment and maintenance of Prisoners-those of yours who
fall into our hands, have the full liberty of the Towns or
villages allotted to'em and credit for a comfortable and
ample subsistence —on the contrary the Americans whom
Chance has thrown into your hands, are as we are assur'd confin'd closely in prison and by short allowance
and harsh usage. almost directly forced to inlist if this
mode can be approv'd of by Mr Howe He is strangely
alter'd — it is neither consonant to humanity nor the
eternal rules of justice-perhaps, and T most willingly
believe the fact is exaggerated-but be that as it may.
My proposal with respect to Prisoners is that the Privates of the American Army in your hands shou'd have
the full allowance of soldiers according to the rule observ'd by us towards yours —that the officers on both
sides should have a decent stipend in proportion to
their respective ranks, and that a current account shou'd
be kept and the bills negotiated by the mutual arrangement of both Parties —I refer your Excellency to the
mode estab]ish'd by the Continental Congress which
has been publish'd and presume if it's approv'd of you
will consent to adopt the same.
I remain what I ever have been with the greatest
esteem for your excellent personal qualities, most truly
and devotedly                   Yours
CHARLES LEE.
I take the liberty of sending some letters for different prisoners.
Endorsed: Letter from Gen. Lee to Gen. Howe p. Flagg of Truce,
Novr 26th, 1776. No 45.




318              THE LEE PAPERS.
FRoM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Newark, November 27th 1776
DEAR Sin:
I last night received the favor of your letter
of the 25th. My former letters were so full and explicit, as to the necessity of your marching as early as
possible, that it is unnecessary to add more on that
head. I confess I expected you would have been sooner
in motion. The force here, when joined by yours, will
not be adequate to any great opposition; at present it
is weak, and it has been more owing to the badness of
the weather that the enemy's progress has been checked,
than any resistance we could make. They are now
pushing this way; part of'em have passed the Passaic.
Their plan is not entirely unfolded, but I shall not be
surprised if Philadelphia should turn out the object of
their movement. The distress of the troops for want
of clothes I feel much; but what can I do? Having
formed an. enterprise against Rogers, &e., I wish you
may have succeeded.
I am, dear sir, with great esteem, your most obedient servant
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Major General Lee.
To THE NEW ENGLAND GOVERNORs.
Camp Philipsbourg, 27th November, 1776.
SIR,
As the whole fate of America depends on the speedy
completion of the new Army —all considerations ought
undoubtedly to be postpon'd to this object.
The officers, and indeed it must necessarily be so,
are of my opinion that nothing impedes the recruiting
of the Army so much as the present rage of Privateer



THE LEE PAPERS.              319
ing that unless this is in some measure check'd, it is in
vain to expect any success. I wou'd therefore humbly
refer to your Consideration whether it is not expedient
to lay a temporary embargo on Privateers until the
Regiments of each state are completed. Our situation
is so delicate and alarming, and the absolute necessity
of the Army's being rais'd without delay so obvious,
that you will at least excuse the liberty I take in proposing the only mode which occurs to me.
I am Sir, With the greatest respect,
Your most obt. humble Servt.
CHARLES LEE.
Endorsed: Copy of Letters sent to Governors Trumbull, & Cook & Mr.
Bowdoin, & the President of the Council of New Hampshire. No 35.
FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Brunswick, Novr 29th 1776.
DEAR SIR,
I this morning received your favor of the 26th
Your Letters to Govr Trumbull for a reinforcement of
militia, were exceedingly proper, though I doubt much
whether they can be obtained, having suffered many
inconveniences in the course of the present Campaign;
nor was the application to Mr. Bowdoin for cloaths for
the soldiery less necessary. I am happy to hear the
men discover so much readiness to engage in the service,
and that there may be no objection for want of bounty
money, I have directed the paymaster to advance it to
the Cols appointed and who agree to continue again.
I imagine you have settled with the Commissary
a Plan for being supplied with provisions on your
march, that will be highly expedient; If you have not,
I shall on information use my exertions to have you
furnish'd in the best manner that circumstances will
admit of. We left Newark yesterday morning and arrived here to day, in a little time after our departure




320             THE LEE PAPERS.
the enemy entered. Whether they mean to push farther or have any Capital object in view, I suppose will
be discovered in a few days, their impressing a number
of waggons on' Staten Island and other circumstances
Indicate their movements.
I am Dr Sir
Your affect. H. Servt
GO WASHINGTON.
To Major General Lee.
GENERAL WASIHINGTON TO GENERAL HEATH.
Head Quarters Brunswic Nov. 29, 1776.
DEAR SIR,
Yours of the'26th overtook me a few Miles from
this Place where I arrived this day at noon. The Enemy gave us not the Least Interruption upon our March.
I am glad to hear that the Stores that Were at Tapan
and Stotts Landing have all got safely up. I hope
you will have the same good Luck with the Flour.
I approve of the steps you have taken to keep the
Tories, in the neighbourhood of your Post, in order, and
also of your offers of assistance to the state of New
York in obstructing the passage of the North River
above Constitution, it is an object of so much Consideration, that I think too much attention cannot be paid
to it.
I hope you will be able to prevail upon Scott's
Brigade to remain with you some Little time beyond
their Engagements, if the recruiting service goes on
with tolerable success their number will soon be replaced by that means. I am led to expect considerable
Reinforcements from Pennsylvania and this state. I
shall be in Want of them as the Time of the flying
Camp from Jersey & Maryland expires Tomorrow,
and I fear few will be induced to stay longer. If the
Reinforcements are equal to my Expectations, I hope I




THE LEE PAPERS.             321
shall at least be able to prevent a further Penetration
of the Enemy Who have already got too great a foot.
ing in this part of the Country.
Mr. Palfrey has orders to advance to the Colonels
who are appointed and have agreed to remain in the
Service, such sums of money as are necessary for the
Bounties of the new enlisted men. I am Sir
Your most humble servt
GO WASHINGTON.
General Heath.
ORDERS.
ZLine of /Ifarch on supposition that tAe reserved Piequets are dcetacehed against the Enemy.
The Detachment from Nixon's Brigade must furnish
the Advance Guard of a subaltern and thirty —Sullivan's
Division the rear Guard of a Copy of fifty-The other
Corps must furnish the flanking Parties, composed of a
sixth Part of their respective Numbers to march in an
indian file with a proper proportion of Officers. These
flankers to be disposed according to the discretion of
the Comiihanding General of the Detachment, either on
the right left or both Flanks as shall be judged prudent
-As a line of two deep in files has consequently an insufferable long Rear, The Line of march is to be doubled
into four. The left half of each Brigade doubling behind the right as was practiced yesterday-Small intervals of about fifteen Paces to be observed between the
Head of each Division and the rear of the preceeding
into which Intervals the Flankers may be called in when
occasion requires.  It is recommended to the Officer
who leads the Column to march slow and to the whole
to keep their files well closed. If there should appear
any Danger of being outflanked, or the Gen]. Commanding thinks right to engage in a line of two deepthe following method is to be observed-Glover's BrigVOL. II. 21




322              THE LEE PAPERS.
ade is to draw out of the Line immediately into the
Rear about one hundred yards, if the Ground will admit
- consider itself as a Corps De Reserve, and act accordingly, that is sustain & reinforce, as circumstances require.  This Maneetivre will give room for the rear
Ranks of the rest to develop into two deep.
Above all a most strict silence is to be observed.
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Peekskill, November ye 30th 1776.
DEAR GENERAL:
-I received yours last night, dated the 27th from Newark. You complain of my not being in motion sooner.
I do assure you that I have done all in my power, and
shall explain my difficulties when we have both leisure.
I did not succeed with Rogers, and merely owing to the
timidity or caution of the enemy, who contracted themselves into a compact body very suddenly. I am in
hopes I shall be able to render you more service than
had I moved sooner. I think I shall enter the Province
of Jersey with four thousand firm and willing troops,
who will make a very important diversion. Had
I stirred sooner, I should have only led an inferior number of unwilling. The day after tomorrow we shall
pass the river, when I shall be glad to receive your instructions; but I could wish you would bind me as little as possible, not from any opinion, I do assure you,
of my own parts, but from a persuasion that detached
Generals cannot have too great latitude, unless they are
very incompetent indeed.
Adieu, my dear Sir. Yours, most affectionately,
CHARLES LEE.
His Excellency General Washington,
Elizabeth-Town.
P.S. I have just been speaking with General Heath,




THE LEE PAPERS.              323
the strictness of whose instructions a good deal distress
me. I could have replaced the few I require, by men
who are able to do stationary duty, but not to make expeditious marches. My numbers will in consequence be
fewer than I promised.
To JAMES BOWDOIN.
Camp Croton Pond, November 30, 1776.
DEAR Sin:
The affairs of America are in a more alarming
situation every day. The enemy have passed the Passaic; unless, therefore, the New-England Provinces
exert themselves not only vigorously, but essentially,.
we are lost.  General Washington has ordered me
with the Continental troops over the river. This measure may be necessary for the safety of the Jerseys,
or perhaps even for Philadelphia, but the hardships,
that the men must encounter at this season of the yearwill, I apprehend, prevent very considerably, if not entirely, the recruiting the new army; and unless an army
is formed, and immediately, you must submit to theyoke prepared. If this army cannot be formed in the
mode proposed, by volunteers, which at best is a very
bad mode, it follows that some other must be adopted.
The scheme that I would propose is what ought to have
pointed itself out at first; it is that which all countries
have adopted; for when the soldiers of a community
are composed of volunteers, war becomes quite a distinct profession. The arms of a Republic get into the
hands of its worst members.' Volunteers being composed in general of the most idle, vicious, and dissolute
part of every society, the usual catastrophe is, thatthey become the tools of some General, more artful
than the rest, and finally turn the arms put into their
hands for the defence of their country, against their
country's bosom. This has and must be the fate o~f




324              THE LEE PAPERIS.
every people who have not wisdom enough tS make,
and virtue enough to submit to, laws which oblige
every citizen to serve in his turn as a soldier. It may
be answered that your Militia is established on this
principle.  But your Militia from the incompetency
of their officers, or some other vice in its constitution,
manifestly does not answer the purposes.  I would
therefore take the liberty to propose, as the Army will
probably not be raised by volunteers, and as an Army
so composed is at best a very dangerous remedy, that
you should fill your regiments by drafts from your
Militia. Let every seventh man be obliged to serve
in the regular regiments for one year, and you will
have an Army immediately, excellent in all respects,
formidable against the external enemy, and less danger*ous to their fellow-citizens.
I hope to God your Governments have energy sufficient to accomplish the point; and I hope your gentlemen of the first distinction and property have patriotismr to lead the way in submitting to so necessary
and wholesome a regulation. If you have not, there:are only two things left to your choice: either to call'in the troops of France and Spain, or submit unconditionally to the tyranny of Britain. If your gentlemen lead the way in cheerfully obeying the summons
of their country, I am myself persuaded the people
will cheerfully follow: For God's sake, Sir, convince
them of the necessity. Suffer not a spark of whatever
virtue amongst you to be latent. ]Now is the time to,call it all into action. 
In this pious work, that God Almighty may assist
you, is the most fervent prayer of one who is, dear Sir,'most truly. yours,
CHARLEs LEE.
To the Honorable James Bowdoin.
N.B. Our want of blankets and stores is every day
more crying. I would be much obliged to you, as this




THE LEE PAPERS.              32 5
scheme will be applicable to New-Hampshire, to send
them a copy.
FROM GOVERNOR TRUMBULL.
Hartford, November 30, 1776.
SIR:
Your favours of the 21"t and 22nd instant, were duly
received, and now answer, that for the reasons and
events you mention, do fully concur in the sentiment,
that we must very much, if not altogether, depend
upon ourselves on this side the- river for preventing the
enemy from penetrating this way. In this view of the
matter, the assembly have ordered four battalions for
march as soon as possible, properly equipped and furnished to continue till the 15th of March next; in
meantime our quota of regulars will be raisihng and
forwarding.  The most effectual measures have been
taken to engage officers of the stamp you mention;
much certainly depends upon it, and flatter myself there
will be no further cause of complaint upon that head.
The forming of officers, as well as men, is a work of
time.
We have the highest sense of your zeal, vigilance
and labor, for our common safety and prosperity; and
in turn assure you of every reasonable exertion to aid
your endeavours; we have consequently ordered a considerable supply of clothing, blankets, &e immediately
to be forwarded, and are determined, with a due dependence upon the divine Disposer of events, notwith-'standing our late disappointments, and the additional
loss of the fort by your name,, to maintain our cause to
the last extremity.
I am, with great esteem an d regardl, your most obedient, humble Servant
JONTII. TRUMBULL
The Honorable Major General Lee.




326              THE LEE PAPERS.
To GENERAL HEATH.
Peeks Kill, December lst 1776.
FoR the satisfaction of Gen. Heath, and at his request, I do certify, that I am commanding officer, at
this present writing, in this post, and that I have, in
that capacity, ordered Prescott's and Wyllis's regiments
to march.
CHARLES LEE, Maj. Gen.
FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON:
Brunswick, December 1"' 1776.
DEAR SIR:
The enemy are advancing, and have got as far as
Woodbridge and Amboy, and from information not to
be doubted, mean to push to Philadelphia. The force
I have with me is infinitely inferiour in number, and
such as cannot give or promise the least successful
opposition. It is greatly reduced by the departure
of the Maryland Flying-Camp men,,and sundry other
causes. I must entreat you to hasten your march as
much as possible, or your arrival may be too late to answer any valuable purpose. Your route, and the place
to join me, I cannot particularize; in these instances
you must be governed by circumstances, and the intelligence you receive. Let the former be secure. I
hope to meet a considerable reinforcement of Pennsylvania Associators; it is said they seem spirited upon
this occasion.
I am, dear sir, yours, &c.
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Major General Lee.




THE LEE PAPERS.            327
FROM DR. JOHN MORGAN.
Ramapough, Dec' 2nd, 1776.
Di GENERAL,
I think it my Duty to give you every piece of Information in my power to procure, leaving you to judge
how far it is to be regarded.
I have seen a very intelligent Person at Sufferings
who came last night from Hoppers Tavern, 10 Miles on
this side Hackensack. He says that there are not more
than a thousand Hessians and Waldeckers at Hackensack, & none of the British Troops; the Enemy having
pushed on to Newark & Elizabeth Town: That three
Armaments have sailed from N. York, & in fact that
they have left no great Body of Troops in that place:
Those which are there being posted chiefly at Kingsbridge. The precipitate Retreat of our Troops from
Hackensack has made thousands of Tories: Several
friends to the cause of Liberty think a good stroke
might be struck by a brigade or two marching suddenly and surprising those left at Hackensack, which
might occasion some delay in their march towards the
Southward, and allow time for succours to arrive to
General Washington.
My informer says the Tories declare openly that
whenever G. Washington llakes a stand, a body of the
British Troops will be sent this way to prevent a junction of that part of the Army under your command
with Genl. Washington. He says that one of the three
Armaments, and that the largest is intended up the
Delaware to favour the operations of the Troops now at
Elizabeth Town on their way to Philadelphia. I make
no comment on this information, but think it my duty
to relate matters as I hear them; perhaps you have
more authentic Intelligence.
I remain Dr General, Your most obt hble Servt.
JOHN MORGAN.
Major Genl. Lee,
at his Quarters near Peekskyll.




3298            THE LEE PAPERS.
To GENERAL JOSEPH SPENCER.
Peeks Kill, Decr ye 2d 1776.
DR GENERAL,
If you have reason to think that any considerable
Corps of the Militia will join you in a few days, you
may venture to keep the Post you at present occupy, but
if there is no prospect of such a junction I wou'd by
no means have you remain, as you might with your few
numbers, in a position which demands a considerable
Force, be expos'd to insult or surprise. In this case you
should retire to the hill. where two companies of Fellows' Brigade are posted to cover the stores, it is strong
by nature and requires but little labor to be rendered
very respectable. I wish to God the militia may join
you soon so as to enable you to keep your present Post,
as it is in my opinion very important-it protects a fine
country of forage much wanted by the enemy —it covers
the frontiers of Connecticut, and keeps the large bodies
of Tories in order, who without some such check wou'd
probably take an active part I hope you have detach'd
the four hundred men to Heath or his heart will break.
He is confident that all the movements of the Enemy
in every part of the continent are only feints, that they
only mean to weaken him, and that when He is taken
all is lost-the fact is so many men of the Party I
march'd off from White Plains are so fatigu'd that without taking two Regiments from Heath I cou'd not march
in force suffitient to the Jerseys, and perhaps the fate
of America depends on the competency of my force —
this number ordered from you is to replace the two
Regts.
Adieu Dr General. Let me hear from you on every
occasion.
Yours
CHARLES LEE.




TIIE LEE PAPERS.            329
FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Trenton, December 3d, 1776.
DEAR SIR:
I was just now favored with your letter of the 30th
ultimo. Having wrote you fully both yesterday and to
day of my situation, it is unnecessary for nle to add
much at this time. You will readily agree that I have
sufficient cause for my anxiety, and to wish for your arrival as early as possible. In respect to instructions on
your route, you must be governed by circumstances. This
has been the language of all my letters since I had occasion to call for your aid. The sooner you can join
me with your division, the sooner the service will be
benefitted.  As to bringing any of the troops under
General Heath, I cannot consent to it. The posts they
are at, and the passes through the Highlands, being of
the utmost importance, they must be guarded by good
men. I would have you to give me frequent advices of
your approach. Upon proper information in this instance, much may depend.
I am &
Go. WASHINGTON
To Major General Lee.
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Haverstraw, December ye 4th 1776.
DEAR GENERAL:
I have received -your pressing letter; since which
intelligence was sent to me that you had quitted Brunswick, so that it is impossible to know where I can join
you. But although I should not be able to join you at
all,' the service which I can render you will, I hope, be
full as efficacious. The Northern Army has already advanced nearer Morristown than I am. Shall put myself




330             THE LEE PAPERS.
at their head tomorrow. We shall upon the whole
compose an army of five thousand good troops in
spirits. I should imagine, dear General, that it may be
of service to communicate this to the corps immediately
under your command. It may encourage them, and
startle the enemy; in fact, their confidence must be
risen to a prodigious height if they pursue you, with so
formidable a body hanging on their flanks or rear. I
shall clothe my people at the expense of the Tories
which has a double good effect-it puts them in spirits
and comfort, and is a correction of the iniquity of the
foes of liberty. It is paltry to think of our personal
affairs, when the whole is at stake; but I entreat you
to order some of your suite to take out of the way of
danger my favourite mare, which is at Hunt Wilson's,
three miles the other side of Princeton.
I am, dear General, Yours
CHARLES LEE.
His Excellency General Washington.
To GENERAL HEATH.
Haverstraw, 4th December, 1776.
SIn,
The troops here are so distressed for rum this rainy
weather, that I must request you'll immediately forward ten hogsheads of rum down to Colonel Hay's
landing in Haverstraw Creek.
I am, sir, yours,
CHARLES LEE,
Major General.
To Major General Heath.




THE LEE PAPERS.             331
To GENERAL HEATH.
Ringwood Iron-works 6th December, 1776.
SIR,
I am directed by General Lee to inform you he has
had the misfortune to lose three of his best camp
horses, and begs the favor you'll have some inquiry
made amongst the soldiery under your command. One
is a black, with a nag tail, fifteen hands high; a brown
bay, with a switch tail, fourteen-and-a-half hands; and
a sorrel mare, with a blaze-face and a switch tail, about
fourteen hands and an inch.
The General offers three guineas reward, or a guinea
for each.
I am, Sir, your very obedient, humble servant
JOSEPH NOURSE, Secretary.
Honourable Major-General Heath, Peekskill
To G(ov. NICHOLAS COOKE.
Pompton, 7th December, 1776.
DEAR SIR,
As there is now no doubt of the enemy's directing
a considerable force towards your island, my duty
to the publick, and my regard for the welfare of your
Colony in particular, urge me to every expedient which
may be serviceable to you; and I must entreat you not
to impute the freedom with which I shall offer my
thoughts upon this occasion to a petulance of disposition, but to the most pure and disinterested zeal. I
have, sir, from what I have observed of the New England troops, the highest confidence in the valor of your
men and common run of your officers, particularly
those who are of the younger part. They have activity and fire, and in general more knowledge than
those advanced in years, who are not only destitute of
knowledge, but incapable, from a certain rustiness of




33'2             THE LEE PAPERS.
mind and temper, of acquiring any. In fact, the only
advantage of years in any profession is, that it enables
us to add to our stock of knowledge. But if we do
not avail ourselves of the days which nature has mnade
a present of to us for this purpose, the more years have
passed over our heads, the more disqualified are we for
the profession of a soldier of any rank. Now it unfortunately happens in New England, that to the most disqualified the highest trusts are committed. To speak
directly, the appointments of Generals in your Prov.
inces threaten destruction; but in fact it is impossible
that you should have men equal to this arduous task.
Theory joined to practice, or a heaven-born genius, can
alone constitute a General. As to the latter, God Almighty indulges the modern world very rarely with the
spectacle; and I do not know, from what I have seen,'
that he has been more-profuse of this ethereal spirit to
the Americans than to other nations. But to come
to the point: Rhode Island will probably be, attacked; your men and younger-officers are good, but I
am persuaded you have no man with you capable of
conducting an army; no man who has sufficient knowledge as an Engineer. I have therefore resolved to
send a gentleman, with whose great talents, activity,
and zeal I am well acquainted. His name is Malmedie, a Frenchman. I entreat, if you cannot give him
the entire command, to be directed by his counsels.
You must excuse his heat of temper at times, as it is
derived from a noble source of enthusiasm for your
cause. Procure for him an able interpreter; and treat
him, as I am sure you will, with all the respect and attention he deserves. God bless you, Sir. Believe me
to be, most devotedly, yours
CHARLES LEE
Governour Cooke.
P. S. I believe I shall send you Colonel Varnum,
but I hope you will continue to give Mr. Malmedie
high Colonial rank, which will lead him to Continental.




THE LEE PAPERS.                333 
FROM WILLIAM KENNON.
North Carolina, Halifax, December 7, 1776.
SIR:
The magazines you ordered are accordingly formed,
and from a conversation of yours with Mr Southerland,
my agent at Cross Creek, and your letter to General
Moore, I judged it to be your wish that I should form
magazines in Georgia, North-Carolina and Virginia. I
immediately prepared for doing so, in such manner as I
thought best from so imperfect a knowledge of your
desires, and found occasion often to regret that you had
not sent for me from Cross Creek to have met you on
the road, or have wrote me a line; however, I have:done what I believe will answer your design, and in
such a way as must meet your approbation, since the
Continent will be at no expense unless the provisions
should be used; for things are laid in on such terms as
to produce more than prime cost and charges, either by
shipping to the West Indies or selling to the merchant
exporters.
I am just returned from the southern line of
Georgia, and have formed magazines on the Altamahaw, on the head of Ocgechey, at Augusta, and about
forty miles above Savannah. In this state I've formed
them  so as to answer the service here, or transport
to Virginia, at an easy rate, according to orders.
Such provisions as I've laid in for Virginia and NorthCarolina will, by a circumstance worth the attention of the Congress, be very dear, which is the vast
number of commissaries, contractors, or purchasers, appointed by the imprudence of the Virginians, and the
want of integrity of the North Carolinians; for they, in
order to enhance the price of provisions, by raising of
which most in this Colony live, appointed by so
many competitors in the purchase that I am now paying
double at least to what I did a few days ago; for there
are now nine Commissaries in this state, of separate in



334              THE LEE PAPERS.
terests, with a number from Virginia, and the people
here are combining to advance it to a most exorbitant
height; and unless there is a single purchaser appointed
for your district, which must chiefly be furnished from
North Carolina with pork and beef, the Continent will
suffer one hundred per cent, in all the meat used by the
troops. This, Sir, I hope will deserve your particular
attention, and that I shall hear from you as soon as
your arduous situation will admit. I am not courting
the place of Commissary General of your district,
though it would be acceptable to me, but it is my duty
to lay before you, Sir, this extraordinary and improper
expense, as I wish the business done by me should be
in a way the least burthensome to the State. There
are variety of reasons which might be urged against
the measure of so great a number of Commissaries;
but one good reason is enough for Government: the exorbitant increase in the price of provisions by thirty or
forty purchasing competitors. Would any private gentleman of the Congress, having occasion for twenty
thousand barrels of beef and pork, to be bought up at
one certain market, employ a single factor or agent to
execute that trust; or would he order thirty different
agents to purchase up the provisions, maintain each of
them as bidders on each other at vendue and risk beside
the want of their knowledge and integrity? Too many.
fingers in the publick purse will endanger the State
of North-Carolina, and the Congress, as far as in them
lays, should prevent it.
This will be delivered to you by Captain Allen, who
can explain this, and every other matter, to your satisfaction.  These Commissaries are now insisting to
march to Charles-Town with their different regiments;
and I need not tell you, Sir, what an effect such a competition will have at that market, already the highest
on the globe; but can be lowered by the quantity of
provisions in this State, provided the purchase is left
to one upright, industrious, deserving man.
Your letter to Mr Harrison, Paymaster in Virginia,




THE LEE PAPERS.             335
was forwarded in a few days after date express by me,
but no answer received. I am this day sending for
the hundred thousand dollars mentioned therein,'which
I hope to receive. If I do not, Captain Allen will inform you, and you will order it from Philadelphia by
immediate express, as I am in great want, having borrowed large sums from private people, who have sometime expected payment. It would be also necessary
for me to have a further credit on the Continental
Treasury, and I am ready to enter into any security, if
any should be required; and as to the hundred thousand, if it is necessary, I will give security for that
sum also before it is paid me at Charlestown; in which
case, it may be sent'to the Commanding officer, with
direction as to the security. I have the fullest confidence that should Mr Harrison decline sending this
hundred thousand dollars you will order it, so that
I shall receive at least that sum  in two months
from this date. In the meantime, I shall borrow on
the credit of this expectation.  I have purchased a
quantity of rum and osnabrigs, the latter of which the
nakedness of the soldiers induced me to do. I have
devoted my whole time to the service of you and your
district, and shall on all occasions prove to you my desire of being serviceable to the Continent; but I wish
not to be interrupted by injurious competitions, which
can answer no other purpose but increase the price of
provision to an intolerable height, and introduce confusion in the camp by a variety of agents.
I sometime ago wrote by post from Wilmington,
and lately sent you two letters, one from Mr Bryan
and the other from Hispaniola, which I hope you have
received.
I have the honor to be, Sir, with all duty and
respect,
Your most obedient Servant,
WILL. KENNON.




336             THE LEE PAPERS.
FROM GENERAL HEATII.
Peekskill, December 8th 1776.
DEAR GENERAL:
Yesterday afternoon Lieutenant Colonel Vose arrived at this place from Albany, with Greaton's, Bond's,
and Porter's regiments, making in the,whole between
five and six hundred men. I have advised them not to
lose a moment's time, but to follow you immediately.
I am furnishing them with provisions, tents, &c. and
they will begin their march this day.
Captain Williams, of Greaton's informs me this
morning that General Gates had sent forward orders
for the troops to rendezvous at Goshen. He had not
received your letter until he heard from you that they
might know what route to take.
I have advised the troops here to proceed, as it is
most probable General Gates who is to be at Goshen
this night, will join them on the road.
I submit it to you, sir, if it would not be best to
send an express back, with such directions as you may
think proper, either to halt them on the road from
Goshen, until General Gates comes up, or march forward and join you without loss of time.
I am, dear General, your most humble servant
W. HEATH.
Major General Lee.
P.S. General Gates has with him Paterson's, Stark's;
Read's & Poor's regiments.
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Morris-Town, December ye 8th, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL:
Colonel Humpton will give you a return of the Militia already assembled, and of those (if it can be called




THE LEE PAPERS.             337
a return) expected. The whole will, as it is said, make
by tomorrow morning one thousand. My corps that
passed the North River will amount (for we are considerably diminished) to seven and twenty hundred; in
fact our Army may be estimated at four thousand. If
I was not taught to think that your army was considerably reinforced, I should immediately join you; but as
I am assured you are very strong, I should imagine we
can make a better impression by hanging on their rear;
for which purpose, a good post at Chatham seems the
best calculated. It is at a happy distance from Newark,
Elizabethtown, Woodbridge, and"Boundbrook. It will
annoy, distract, and consequently weaken'em. As to
your Excellency's idea of surprising Brunswick, the post
I propose taking offers the greatest probability of success. But we are so ill shod and destitute of light-horse
that this desultory war is hard upon the poor soldiers;
but must do'em the justice to say that they have noble
spirits and will, I have no doubt, render great service
to their country.
God bless you, General,
Yours, most sincerely
CHARLES LEE.
His Excellency General Washington,
Trenton.
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Chatham, December ye 8th 1776.
DEAR G(ENERAL:
Major Hoops has just delivered to me your Excellency's letter. I am certainly shocked to hear that your
force is so inadequate to the necessity of your situation,
as I had been taught to think you had been considerably reinforced. Your last letters proposing a plan of
surprises and forced marches convinced me that there
was no danger of your being obliged to pass the Dela
VOL. II.-22




3 3 8            TE LEE PAPERS.
ware; in consequence of which proposals I have put
myself in a position the most convenient to cooperate
with you by attacking their rear.
I cannot persuade myself that Philadelphia is their
object at present, as it is almost certain that their whole
troops latelv embarked have directed their course to
the Eastern provinces; for Spencer writes me word that
half of it has passed the sound, and the other half
turned the south western end of Long Island and steered
eastward. I detached Colonel Varnum and Mons. Malmed:. to take the direction of the Rhode Island Troops,
who are without even the figure of a General. It will
be difficult, I am afraid, to join you; but cannot I do
you more service by attacking their rear?  I shall look
about me tomorrow, and inform you further.
I am, dear General, Yours
CHARLES LEE.
To His Excellency General Washington.
To A COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS.
Morris-Town, December 8th 1 776.
GENTLEMEN:
Enclosed is a return of the Militia already assembled. More are expected in. The whole will, it is
said, make by to morrow morning one thousand. My
corps that passed the North River will amount (for
we are considerably diminished) to seven and twenty
hundred; in fact our Army may be estimated at four
thousand. If I was not taught to think that the army
with General Washington had been considerably reinforced, I should immediately join him; but as I am assured he is very strong, I should imagine we can make
a better impression by beating up and harassing their
detached parties in their rear, for which purpose a good
post at Chatham seems the best calculated. It is at a




THE LEE PAPERS.  339
happy distance from  Newark, Elizabethtown Woodbridge and Boundbrook. We shall, I expect, annoy,
distract, and consequently weaken them in a desultory
war; but we are so ill shod and destitute of light
horse, that the troops are in a bad condition for this
species of service. I must do'emr the justice to say,
that they have noble spirits, and will, I have no doubt,
render great service to their country.
I am, Gentlemen, with the greatest respect, your
most obedient, humble servant,
CHARLES LEE.
To the Honorable
Richard Henry Lee and
Benjamin Rush,
Committee of Congress.
FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY.
Boston December 8, 1776,;.
SIR'
The General Court have received your favors of the,
21st 22nd 27th and 30th November last, and gratefully
acknowledge your care in favouring us with all necessary intelligence. With pain we read the disasters that.
have befallen'us, but yet are not dispirited.  Imme-.
diately on -receipt of your first letter, we forwarded to
the camp supplies, in addition to what we had sent be —
fore, of shoes stockings, and blankets. Are now exerting, and shall continue to exert, ourselves for affording
to the army every species of clothing in our power..
We had issued orders for raising a part of all our able
bodied effective men at home when your first letter was
received, and we have pursued every means we could
devise for expediting their march, and hope they will
all seasonably arrive in camp, to support our common,
cause, and that their number. will not fall short of six
thousand men. We are now contemplating the most




340              THE LEE PAPERS.
effectual measures for raising with vigour our quota of
the Continental Army, and are determined to call into
action every power and strain every nerve in support of
our liberties. We earnestly request your frequent correspondence, which will give us great pleasure. The
alarming accounts we have for four or five days successively received, of a large naval force near New-Port,
though it may embarrass our proceedings, yet will not
divert us from our purposes. Our ardent wish is, that
you may be succeeded in your exertions in the common
cause, in which we shall not fail to co6perate with you.
To General Lee.
P. S. The General Court have just laid a general
embargo on all shipping.
To GENERAL HEATH.
Chatham, December ye 9th 1776.
DEAR GENERAL:
I am very much obliged to you for your welcome
tidings, and have only to beg that you will direct the
regiments you speak of to march without loss of timk
to Morris-Town. I sent an express to you last night
from the General, ordering your division over the river,
which I confess for my own part, I am heartily sorry
for, as I think we shall be strong enough without you,
and New England, with your district, will be too bare,of troops. I am in hopes here to reconquer (if I may
so express myself) the Jerseys.  It was really in the
hands of the enemy before my arrival.
Adieu, dear sir,
CHARLES LEE.
To Major General Heath
Peekskill.




THE LEE PAPERS.             341
FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Trenton Falls, December 10th 1776.
DEAR SIR:
I last night received your favor by Colonel Humpton; and were it not for the weak and feeble state of
the force I have, I should highly approve of your hanging on the rear of the enemy and establishing the post
you mention. But when my situation is directly opposite to what you suppose it to be, and when General
Howe is pressing forward with the whole of his army
except the troops that were lately embarked, and a few
besides left at New York, to possess himself of Philadelphia, I cannot but request and entreat you, and this
too by the advice of all the General officers with me, to
march and join me with all your whole force with all
possible expedition. The utmost exertions that can be
mlade will not be more than sufficient to save Philadelphia. Without the aid of your force, I think there is
but little, if any, prospect of doing it. I refer you to
the route Major Hoops would inform you of. The enemy are now extended along the Delaware at several
places. By a prisoner who was taken last night, I am
told that at Pennytown there are two battalions of Infantry, three of Grenadiers; the -Hessian Grenadiers,
Forty-second of Highlanders, and two others. Their object, doubtless, is to pass the river above us, or to prevent
your joining me. I mention this that you may avail
yourself of the information. Do come on. Your arrival may be happy; and if it can be effected without
delay, may be the means of preserving a city whose loss
must prove of the most fatal consequences. to the cause
of America.
I am, &c
G~. WASHINGTON.
To Major General Lee.
P. S. Pray exert your influence and bring with you
all the Jersey Militia you possibly. can, Let them not




342              THE LEE PAPERS.
suppose their State is lost, or in any danger, because the
enemy are pushing through it. If you think General
St. Clair or General Maxwell would be of service to
command'em, I would send either.
FROM M. MALMEDY.
Providence, 10th December, 17M76.
MY GENERAL:
I could not arrive till the 6th. owing to the difficulty I met with in some places to procure horses. As
soon as I arrived, I sent the letter with which you intrusted me, to the Governour. Accept, Sir, my -warmest thanks for the recommendation with which you have
honored me, and be assured I shall exert my utmost endeavours to render myself worthy the opinion and goodness you have expressed in my behalf.
The Governour desired me to view the lines of circumvallation, which were opened on the right bank of
the river by Mr Crow. They are drawn on that side
quite around the town. They appeared to me to be at
too great a distance from the town, and too extensive;
and fronmthe difficulty of defending them, on a sudden
emergency, and by reason of the great number of men
requisite for their defence-you know, my General, how
dangerous such lines are. They have heretofore been
found useless in many places, although traced out with
great judgment. I proposed to the gentlemen to draw
others within them.  I perceived they were satisfied with the utility of this, and agreed to it. I changed
the defences, and brought the posts nearer; and possibly, my General, when they are finished, you will think
them capable of being defended. They were desired
by the people to quiet their fears.  I asked last night
for orders to see Holan's Ferry, which you particularly
recommended to me. This morning I wait for instructions.




THE LEE PAPERS.             343
I cannot give you a true idea of the distribution and
arrangement of the troops; they are not yet settled. I
always view with pleasure the great number of beautiful towns, which every moment present themselves to
view. I can never believe the enemy will be able to
overrun this country, without great difficulty.  You
have doubtless an account of their numbers and positions.
You were pleased, my General, to request these
gentlemen to give me the rank of a Colonel; which
they immediately granted to me. It is very flattering
to me to owe my promotion to you. The qualities you
possess, and the deserved reputation which you enjoy,
render this infinitely precious to me.
It is of great importance, my General, to me, to be
commissioned by Congress, if you desired it, before the
first of January, in order to be older in rank than a
number of others. Permit me this morning, I beseech
you, to beg the favor of you to make this demand for
me as soon as possible. My acknowledgements for the
favour shall equal the respect with which I am, my
General,
Your most humble and obedient Servant
MALMEDY.
FRoM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Trenton Falls, December 1 1th 1776.
DEAR SIR:
Your favour of the 8th instant, by the Light Horseman, reached me last night. Having wrote you fully
respecting my situation just before it came to hand, it
is unnecessary to add much now. I shall only say that
Philadelphia, beyond all question, is the object of the
enemy's movements, and that nothing less than our utmost exertions will be sufficient to prevent General
Howe from possessing it. The force I have is weak and
entirely incompetent to that end. I must therefore en



.344             THE LEE PAPERS.
treat you to push on with every possible succour you
can bring. Your aid may give a more favorable complexion to our affairs. You know the importance of
the city of Philadelphia, and the fatal consequences
that must attend the loss of it.
I am, &c.
To Major General Lee.       G~. WASHINGTON.
Tro GENERAL HEATH.
Morris-Town, December ye 11th 1' 76.
SIR,
I would recommend to you, if you are at Ramapouch
or Pompton, to take your route either by the Great or
Little Falls; if by the Great Falls, you may come by
HIachquacknock. If by the Little Falls you may inquire for Newark Mountains, and come a route at a
small distance from the river; but had better send an
express to Springfield, seven miles west of ElizabethTown, where about one thousand Militia are collected to
watch the motions of the enemy.  Their subsequent
motions must be directed according to circumstances.
CHARLES LEE, Major General.
P.S. The gentlemen to whom you are to address
yourself for intelligence are Colbnel Ford, at or near
Springfield, or the Rev. James Caldwell, near Chatham.
To GENERAL HEATH.
Head-Quarters, Morris-Town, Juecember 11th, 1776.
MUCH RESPECTED SIR:
By order of General Lee, I beg leave to inform you
that we have no rum for the soldiery, and but very




THE LEE PAPERS.              345
little flour. As the Army is continually increasing,
I am apprehensive that the Army must suffer. General Lee therefore recommends that you order a large
quantity of the above-mentioned articles on after the
Army.
Your most obedient and very humble servant,
ALEX. SCAMMELL, D. A. G'L.
Major-General Heath.
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Morristown, December ye 11th, 1776.
We have three thousand men here at present; but
they are so ill-shod that we have been obliged to halt
these two days for want of shoes. Seven regiments of
Gates's corps are on their march, but where they actually are, is not certain.  General Lee has sent two officers this day; one to inform him where the Delaware
can be crossed above Trenton; the other to examine
the road towards Burlington, as General Lee thinks he
can, without great risk, cross the great Brunswick post
road, and by a forced night's march, make his way to
the ferry below Burlington. Boats should be sent up
from Philadelphia to receive him. But this scheme he
only proposes, if the head of the enemy's column actually pass the river. The Militia in this part of the
Province seem sanguine.  If they could be sure of an
army remaining amongst'em, I believe they would raise
a very considerable number.




346             THE LEE PAPERS.
To
Morristown Decr ye 11th 1776
DR SIR
Capt Gibson's merit in so cheerfully encountering
the fatigues and dangers of an expedition to New
Orleans for the service of his country will I am perswaded sufficiently recommend him to the Congress I
shall only add that he is a man qualifyed to render still
greater services and that they cannot too greatly encourage such meritI am, Sir, with the greatest respect.
Your most obt Humble Servt
CHAIRL3ES LEE.
FROM THE REV. JAMES CALDWELL.
Turkey, December 12, 1776.
DEAR SIR:
I thank you for your favour from Baskenridge of
this morning, and intended to do myself the honor to
wait upon you, and set out for that purpose, but found
my horse would not perform the journey with sufficient
expedition, and cannot procure another here. And indeed I find this the best place to observe the enemy's
motions. From sundry persons who have been upon
the road between Brunswick and Princeton, I learn
the army has very generally marched forward; indeed,
all except guards of the several posts. Yesterday they
sent a reinforcement to Elizabethtown from Amboy, of
near one thousand. Some say the whole at Elizabethtown are about one thousand; others say fifteen hundred. They are carrying off the hay from Elizabethtown to New York. At New York there are but about
five hundred men left at Fort Lee; it is said a battalion
of the Scotch. At Hackensack, and from thence to
Elizabethtown, none. I believe Elizabethtown is their




TEE LEE PAPERS.             34 7
strongest post, as they were afraid of our Militia, who
have taken off many of the most active Tories, made'
some prisoners, and, among others, shot their English
Forage-master, so that he is mortally or very illy
wounded. A company of our Militia went last night
to Woodbridge, and brought off the drove of stock the
enemy had collected there, consisting of about four
hundred cattle and two hundred sheep. Most of those
cattle are only fit for stock. Colonel Ford begs your
directions what to do with them. I advised that those
not fit to kill should be sold, recording the marks, that
Whig owners might receive the money for which they
sell respectively. It will cost more than the value of
them to keep them in a flock. They are driven up the
country to be out of the enemy's way, and the Colonel
will follow your directions as to the disposition of them.
At a council of the Field Officers this morning, a
majority of them advised to remove the brigade of
Militia back again to Chatham, for which they assigned these reasons: Many of the Militia, rather fond
of plunder and adventure, kept a continual scouting
which kept out so many detached parties that the body
was weakened; and the enemy being now stronger at
Elizabethtown than they are, they thought they would
better serve the cause by lying at Chatham till the expected army approaches for their support.
Colonel Ford also desires your directions with respect to the arms, horses, or other property taken with
any of the enemy. The parties who take them think
themselves entitled to these things.
I enclose you some examinations. Colonel Ford
thinks, from the circumstances of the wagons taken up
at Brunswick to go empty to Trenton, that the enemy
intended to retreat. I hope their retreat will be guarded against. I have very much suspected as soon as our
whole Army is over the river they will return to reduce this Province, leaving only part of their Army at
the river to prevent ours returning, till they have plundered us at their pleasure.




348              THE IEE PAPERS.
With every kind wish for your prosperity, dear sir,
your unfeigned friend and most obedient and humble
servant
JAMES CALDWELL
The Honorable General Lee
P.- S. I have sent you Jacob Vincent and two or
three more Light-Horse, in whom you can depend.
To GENERAL GATES.
Basking Ridge, Dec'r ye 13th 1776.
MY DR GATES:
The ingenious manoeuvre of Fort Washington has
unhing'd the goodly fabrick We had —been buildingthere never was so damn'd a stroke —entr'e nouss, a certain great man is most damnably deficient He has
thrown me into a situation where I have my choice of difficulties-if I stay in this Province I risk myself and
Army and if I do not stay the Province is lost for ever
-I have neither guides Cavalry Medicines Money Shoes
or Stockings-I must act with the greatest circumspection —Tories are in my front rear and on my flanksthe Mass of tihe People is strangely contaminated in
short unless something which I do not expect turns up
We are lost-our Counsels have been weak to the last
degree-as to what relates to yourself if you think you
can be in time to aid the General I wou'd have you by
all means go You will at least save your army —it is
said that the Whigs are determin'd to set fire to Philadelphia if They strike this decisive stroke the day will
be our own —but unless it is done all chance of Liberty
in any part of the Globe is forever vanish'd-Adieu,
my Dr Friend —God bless you.
CHARLES LEE.




THE LEE PAPERS.             349
FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Head Quarters at Keith's December 14th 1776.
DEAR SIR:
I last night received your letter of the 11th instant
by Major DeHart.  I am much surprised that you
should be in any doubt respecting the route you should
take, after the information you have had upon that
head, as well by letter as from Major Hoops, who was
despatched for the purpose. A large number of boats
was procured and is still retained at Tinnicum under a
strong guard, to facilitate your passage across the Delaware. I have so frequently mentioned our situation
and the necessity of your aid, that it is painful to me
to add a word on the subject. Let me once more request and entreat you to march immediately for Pitt's
Town, which lies on the route that has been pointed
out, and is about eleven miles from Tinnicum Ferry.
That is more on the flank of the enemy than where you
are. Advise me of the time you will arrive there, that
a letter may be sent you about your further destination,
and such other movements as may be necessary.
The enclosed for Generals Gates and Arnold you
will forward by an officer without delay. The former
I have requested to come on with the regiments he has,
with all possible expedition; the latter to go to the
eastward on the intelligence received from Governour
Trumbull. Part of the enemy have advanced as far as
Burlington, and their main body, from the best information, is in the neighbourhood of Trenton and at
Penny-Town.
The Congress have adjourned from Philadelphia to
meet at Baltimore on the 20th instant, and sensible of
the importance of the former, have directed it to be
defended to the utmost extremity, to prevent the enemy
from possessing it. The fatal consequences that must
attend its loss are but too obvious to every one. Your
arrival may be the means of saving it; nothing but a




350              THE LEE PAPERS.
respectable force, I am certain, from melancholy experience, can induce the Militia to come in and give
their aid. The Roebuck and a sloop of war have arrived in Delaware Bay, and from the last advices were
laying not far within the Capes.  I have wrote to
General Heath to proceed with his troops with all possible despatch to Pitt's-Town, where I hope to hear of the
arrival of General Gates with the regiments that are
with him in a short time, if my information is true.
I am, dear sir, yours, &c
G~. WASHINGTON.
P. S. The letters for Generals Gates and Arnold I
have sent by another conveyance.
FROM M. MALMEDY.
Providence, 20th December, 1776.
MY GENERAL:
[ had in your orders on the 1st that I should go to Holan's Ferry, which you particularly recommended to me.
The gentlemen of the Committee imagined that Warwick Neck was more important, since the enemy are in
Rhode-Island. I returned the same evening. I have traversed all near to the point of Connecticut, all the neck
of Warwick. I cannot perceive in all that part the possibility of hindering the enemy from making a descent.
The banks throughout are easy of access, and the vessels
can come close to the land. There is, however, an advantageous situation for a camp upon the high ground,
from whence we can hinder the enemy from forming,
and withdrawing themselves from the fire of their cannon. It might serve as a camp of observation. On my
return I gave a particular account of this matter.
You know, my General, the situation of the town of
Warwick. It is mere folly to attempt to defend it, in
case the enemy makes a descent in its neighborhood. I




THE LEE PAPERS.             351
there found some works begun. I thought it my duty
not to oppose the desire of the commandant. We have
therefore continued and prolonged them, with some
regularity, adapted to the ground. The same night I
returned to Providence. and gave an account to the
Governour of the difficulty of defending that town, and
that the post ought to be evacuated. I have sent him
an order of retreat for the detachment with the outguards, and requested him to drive from Patuxet a great
number of cattle and forage, which are on the neck. I
cannot doubt but from -its situation, that is the place
where the enemy will make their descent, if they land.
I think, my General, that after making efforts at Patuxet, and all along the river, we ought to defend Providence, and there engage them. I presented to the Governour four reasons to support this determination. I
believe the place where I am will, in a month, be out
of danger of a co%2 de main. In that case, the General
who shall command the forces, supporting his left and
extending obliquely on the right, will cover Boston, and
that Province; and I do not believe the enemy dare
enter Connecticut, and by that means separate themselves from their vessels, which is their place of arms;
nor are they so numerous as to render themselves
masters of the river. I beg pardon, my General, for
giving you this account of arrangements, especially in a
country where you are much better acquainted with.
Allow me the indulgence granted to a scholar, who
makes essays on your pieces, and whose feeble observations you can easily rectify.
The County of Patuxet is, and will always be, interesting. I pray you to assemble some troops there,
and to order a number of fascines, which can be readily
found at hand, where occasion requires.
The Governour appears to approve my opinion, and
has requested me to continue to give it on all military
matters. The little disposition I have seen in this town,
relative to troops, in this time of perplexity and danger,
when all ought to be in a state of activity, has deter



352              THIE LEE PAPERS.
mined me to present a regular distribution of regiments,
and an order of service. I thought it necessary to send
them accompanied with letters, and some sentiments in
honour of this country. I here enclose you a copy of
my first letter, and the order of service.
The gentlemen here are polite. I cannot but think
myself honoured with the testimonies they have given
of satisfaction on my conduct, and I am particularly
flattered with the rank they have given me. But, my
General, I do not see that they have done the smallest
thing in the matter I proposed to them, nor even in
those things which ought not to be deferred a mo.
ment. Be pleased to put a favourable interpretation on
what I have the honour to say, and believe I give this
detail only from the desire I have to see proper dispositions made for the defence of this country. Notwithstanding the proximity of the enemies, and the ease
with which they may land, I do not see above six or
seven hundred men at Warwick, one thousand or eleven
hundred here, four hundred citizens at the most ready
to take arms, and only one company of Artillery. The
Colonels of the regiments do not know where to rendezvous in case of alarm, I see no posts established; I
see no artillery in motion, nor any preparations for that
purpose; no exercise at cannon, notwithstanding the
great want of instruction. In the meantime the enemy
are ten thousand. They do not make any general movement; but they can in one tide embark in flat bottomed
boats and land at Warwick-Neck, and arrive at Providence in four hours. That town is worth such an attempt at this moment. It is very important on account
of the great quantity of merchandise and ships in its
port. I cannot account for the conduct of the English
Generals, if they have good intelligence. The people
here give themselves up to a lethargick idea, because
they are not numerous, and because they serve as a defensive post to Rhode-Island. The Americans ought to
fear the illusion; for these two months past it has been
very destructive.  General Lincoln arrived here the




THE LEE PAPERS.              3)53
evening before last. I hope he will put things in order.
The next day, at ten o'clock, he set out for Bristol and
Holan's Ferry, without my knowing of his journey. I
am sensibly affected with the disappointment, not having yet a lodging or a horse. I waited on the Committee. My interpreter informed them of my sensibility
of not knowing of the departure of General Lincoln,
and that I had not yet taken a view of what I proposed.
They answered me with the same politeness as usual,
that he desired me to see the place, and proposed to
make the tour with me, and that he desired Mr Varnum
to inform me of this. However, I was not informed as
to what I proposed; they were absorbed in business.
It is a misfortune in a Government, when military affairs are in the hands of the legislative authority. These
are related, but ought in their particular execution, to
be independent of each other. I have been well satisfied as to a lodging, but I cannot be supplied with
horses. I thought it my duty, sir, to give you a particular account. You have sent me with letters of business and confidence. You have perhaps informed Congress, and have possibly a reliance on my zeal and good
will. I will be very unfortunate if in the execution of
what I am charged with, I find them useless; and this
cannot but appear by the actual situation of things. I
fear I shall not hereafter be thought worthy of any
confidence, and I am particularly jealous of losing yours
and that of the Congress. I beg you will inform Congress of the tr-ue situation of affairs. If, my General, I
have expressed too great a degree of sensibility in this
portr'ait, I know the goodness with which you have honoured me, and I beg you will correct any thing amiss,
or which may displease.   H Honi soit quzi mal y pense."
I cannot too often repeat, my General, the civilities
I have received from these gentlemen. I owe them all
my services, and they are but a small mark of my gratitude. I do not know how I shall be employed here.
I beg you to recollect the expressions in your letter and
your pleasure when you sent me here. I have not yet
VoL. II.-23




35-4             THE LEE PAPERS.
had a word of orders. To-day Mr. Lincoln is arrived.
Mr Varnum is a Brigadier General. I have rank of
him in this Province. I should be very glad to know
the line of service to which I ought particularly to be
destined.' I am  no engineer by profession. I have
some knowledge and some little abilities. I will finish
the open lines with diligence, because they are useful,
and because there is but one man here who knows that
kind of work. I shall apply myself to everything that
depends upon me in this country; but I beg you will'
not confine me to that profession; I can execute another with more advantage. Be so kind, my General,
as to consult Congress, and inform me what is your and
their intention respecting my services, and inform the
Governour, to whom you have recommended me here.
In whatever manner you dispose of me, I will not neglect any of the duties which my condition, emulation,
and honour prescribe. These are the pretensions, these
the reasons to which I resign myself.
I should go to day to Bristol and Holan's Ferry,
but it snows to such a degree that there is no travelling. I should be glad to be under your immediate
orders, if there is any operations this spring. I am told
half of the fleet is in Virginia; perhaps you are there.
I am sorry to be at such a distance from you.
I am, &~
MALMEDY.
FRno  M. MALM:EDY.
Providence, December 20th 1776.
MY GENERAL:
Upon my arrival here, I sent your letter to the
Governour, and offered them my services, without asking any rank..The Assembly of this Province immediately granted me that of Colonel, with which I was
flattered and well satisfied. Two hours after, the Assembly having read your letter a second time more at



THE LEE PAPERS.             355
tentively, and being determined by some other circunstances, gave me the rank of Brigadier General, which
I acknowledge I have not yet deserved.
Ought I not to fear, my General, that this promotion, which is an act of favour, will be a kind of disgrace to me, and that these gentlemen, by loading me
with favors, have only prepared me for humiliation, if
the Continental Congress should hesitate? Is there not
a probability of my not keeping this rank? If I do
my duty, it would seem somewhat unjust. That pro.
motion was entirely unsolicited by me. I hope the
Congress will attend to these observations, and I beg
you would set them in the strongest point of view.
I am, with respect, my General,
MALMEDY.
To His Excellency General Lee, at the Army of the
United States of America, in the Jerseys or elsewhere.
FROM JAMES AM. VARNUM.
Providence, 23d. December, 1776.
SIR,
I have but one moment to inform you that the enemy, between five and six thousand men, are in possession of Rhode Island.  Their menaces are directed
against Providence; but as the New England states
are forming a plan for its effectual security, the enemy
must I think, desist from their plan.
The immense prize ship has just arrived at New
Bedford, which occasions my immediate departure into
that quarter, to prevent any manoeuvres of General
Clinton to take it. This makes it impossible for me to
give you a full account.
The state have honoured me with the command of
their troops.
I am, sir, your very humble servant
J. M. VARNUM.
To General Lee.




356              THE LEE PAPERS.
To CAPTAIN PRIMROSE KENNEDY.
SIR:
The fortune of war, the activity of Colonel Harcourt, and the rascality of my own troops, have made
me your prisoner. I submit to my fate, and I hope
that whatever may be my destiny, I shall meet it
with becoming fortitude; but I have the consolation of
thinking, amidst all my distresses, that I was engaged
in the noblest cause that ever interested mankind. It
would seem that Providence had determined that not
one freeman should be left upon earth; and the success
of your arms more than foretell one universal system
of slavery. Imagine not, however, that I lament my
fortune, or mean to deprecate the malice of my enemies; if any sorrow can at present affect me, it is that
of a great continent apparently destined for empire,
frustrated in the honest ambition of being free, and enslaved by men, whom unfortunately I call my countrymen.
To Colonel Harcourt's activity every commendation
is due; had I commanded such men, I had this day
been free; but my ill-fortune has prevailed, and you behold me no longer hostile to England, but contemptible
and a prisoner!
I have not time to add more, but let me assure you,
that no vicissitudes have been able to alter my sentiments; and that as I have long supported those sentiments in all difficulties and dangers, I will never depart
from them but with life.
C. LEE.
FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Newtown, 29th December, 1776.
DEAR SIR:
I have the pleasure of enclosing you a letter from
your friend Robert Morris, Esq., with a draft on Major
Small for ~116. 9. 3. sterling.




THE LEE PAPERS.             357
It will afford me the highest satisfaction to receive
a line from you, informing me of the state of your
health and your situation, in both of which I hope you
are as happy as a person under your circumstances can
possibly be.
Such further supplies as you may have occasion for,
shall be from time to time remitted to you.
I am, dear Sir, yours, &c
G~ WASHINGTON.
To Major General Lee,
Prisoner.
To ROBERT MORRIS.
N. York, Jany ye 28. [1777.]
MY DR SIR,
I am extremely obliged to you for your kindness
and attention-the money for the bill I am told I shall
get to-day-I have nothing to request at present but
that you will write to Mr Nourse to take care of what
belongs to me-and if that my servant Guiseppe is well
enough you will send him and desire him to bring the
Dogs with him as I am much in want of their Company —God bless you
My respects to Mrs Morris
Yours sincerely
C. LEE.
To Robt Morris, Esq, Phila.
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
New York 9th FebrY 1777.
MY- DEAR SIR,
As Lord & General Howe have given me permission
to send the Inclosed to the Congress, and the contents




358.D            TIE LEE PAPERS.
are of the last importance to me, and perhaps not less
to the Community I most earnestly entreat my dear
General that you will Dispatch it immediately & order
the Express to be as expeditious as possible, they have
likewise Indulged me with the Permission of sending
for one of my A.ids de Camps —I must therefore request
that you will consent to either Bradford or Eustace
returning with the Flag of Truce —he will have leave
to stay here a day & safe Conduct back, my reason for
this request is, that I have many things material with
respect to my private affairs which can be settled
better by conference than letter. I am likewise extreamly desirous that my Dogs should be brought as I
never stood in greater need of their Company than at
present. God bless you, my dear Sir, and send you
Long Life and Happiness.
Yours most affectionately,
C. LEE.
His Excellency General Washington.
To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
New York 10th Febry 1'777.
SIR,
As it is of the Greatest consequence to me, & I
think of no less to the Public, I am persuaded that the
Congress will comply with the request I am going to
make, it is, that they will permit two or three gentlemen
to repair to New York to whom I may communicate
what so deeply interests myself & in my opinion The
Community-the most Salutary Effects may & I am convinced will result from it & as Lord & General Howe will
grant a safe Conduct to the Gentlemen Deputed it can
possibly have no ill consequences unless the Fatigue &
Inconveniency to the particular Gentlemen who are
appointed-to Lighten which and save time which in the
present situation of Affairs is a matter of the most




TIE LEE PAPERS.              35 9
material consideration, I cannot help expressing my
wishes, that some of those gentlemen who at present
compose the Committee at Phila might be nominated
but this must be referred to your better judgment. If
my own interests were alone at stake I flatter myself
that the Congress would not hesitate a single moment
in acquiescing with my request; but this is far from the
case, %the Interests of the Public are equally concerned;
at least in the opinion of one, who is, and ever shall be
most sincerely attached to their welfare.
I am Sir, with the greatest Respt'
Your most obt Humble Sevt
C. LEE
P. S. The Gentlemen Deputed, must pass thro' General Washingtons Camp, where passports will be ready
for them.
To GENER.AL WASHINGTON.
New York, Feb. 26, 1777.
MY DEAR SIn,
I am extremely glad Morris is so far recovered that
there is a probability of his leaving Philadelphia, where
I left him (as I thought) in a very bad way from the
effects of his Southern Expedition. I have the sincerest
love and affection for him, his excellent qualities, his
good sense and integrity must endear him to everybody
who knows him. Eustace I consider as my adopted
son, considering the circumstances of his being taken
out of other hands & his affection for me, I ought to
look upon him in this light-in short should any accident happen to me, it has long been my resolution to
leave everything I possess on this side the water between
these two young men. You will much oblige me therefore by sending Morris to New York the instant he
joins you. General Howe will I make no doubt transmit a passport for him by the same flag of truce with




360              THE LEE PAPERS.
this letter as likewise for the gentlemen whom I impatiently expect from the Congress. Eustace, if he comes
up in consequence of the enclosed letter will I dare say
have the same indulgence-Adieu my dear friend -God
preserve and protect you
Yours most sincerely
Gen. Washington.               CHARLES LEE.
P.S. You will, I request, shew this note to Morris
and his father if he is with you.
To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
N. York March ye 19lth1777.
SIR,
In the letter which sometime ago I did myself the
honor of addressing to the Congress, altho my own interests were deeply concerned, they were not simply so;
I conceived those of America in general to be equally
at stake..I am confident that had not some difficulties,
which a man in my situation must be unacquainted
with, prevented it, you would have complyd with my
request or favoured me with the reasons of my disappointment, I most earnestly conjure you therefore Sir,
that as Lord and General IHowe will grant'em safe
passports two or three Gentlemen may be deputed to
converse with me on subjects of so great importance
not only to myself but the Community I so sincerely
love-to prevent delay I have commissioned Mr Morris
to deliver this letter and flatter myself that I shall not
be thought indecently pressing when I request that the
Gentlemen may without loss of time be deputed or
that the inexpediency of the measure may be signify'd
to me by letter.
I am, Sir, with the greatest respect,
Your Most Obedient humble Servt,
CI1ARLEs LEE.
The Honble John Hancock.




THE LEE PAPERS.                       361
SCHEME FOR PUTTING AN END TO THE WAR, SUBMITTED  TO   THE   ROYAL   COMMISSIONERS,  29TH
MARCH, 177T.
The following document was first published in Mr. George H. Moore's
"Treason of Charles Lee "-a paper read before the New York Historical
Society, on the 22nd of June, 1858. It had been preserved among the
papers of the Secretary to the Royal Commissioners, afterwards Sir Henry
Strachey, Bart., M.P., &c. With other interesting papers, it was brought to
New York, where, being offered for sale, a portion of the collection was
purchased by Mr. Moore.
In order to put on record, not only a proof of the authenticity of this
important document, but the fact that the MSS. of which it was one were
neither disposed of by the honored family from whose archives they were
taken, nor obtained in any improper manner by their present possessor, we
are authorized to print the following statement by Sir Edward Strachey,
Bart.,. with reference to such of these papers as have come into the possession of Mr. Moore:
"These Papers were obtained by undue means from Sutton Court, but
"having fallen into honourable hands, the retention of them is sanctioned
"by the present representative of the Strachey family.
" E. STRACHEY."
"' Sutton Court,
"15 June, 1860."'
As on the  one hand it appears to me that by the
continuance of the War America has no chance of obtaining the ends She proposes to herself; that altho by
struggling  She may put the Mother Country to very
serious expence both in blood and Money, yet She must
in the end, after great desolation havock and slaughter,
be reduc'd to submit to terms much harder than might
probably be granted  at present-and  as on the other
hand  Great Britain  tho' ultimately  victorious, must
suffer very heavily even in the process of her victories,
evry life lost and evry guinea spent being in fact
worse than thrown away: it is only wasting  her own
property, shedding her own blood and destroying her own
strength; and  as I am  not only perswaded from  the
high opinion I have of the humanity and good sense
of'Lord and General Howe that the terms of accommodation will be as moderate as their powers will admit, but that their powers are more ample than their




362              THE LEE PAPERS.
Successors (shoud any accident happen) wou'd be vested with, I think myself not only justifiable but bound
in conscience to furnish all the lights, I can, to enable'em to bring matters to a conclusion in the most compendious manner and consequently the least expensive
to both Parties-I do this with the more readiness as I
know the most generous use will be made of it in all
respects their humanity will incline'em to have consideration for Individuals who have acted from Principle and their good sense will tell'em that the more
moderate are the general conditions; the more solid and
permanent will be the union, for if the conditions were
extremely repugnant to the general way of thinking,
it wou'd be only the mere patchwork of a day which
the first breath of wind will discompose and the first
symptoms of'a rupture betwixt the Bourbon Powers
and Great Britain absolutely overturn-but I really
have no apprehensions of this kind whilst Lord and
General Howe have the direction of affairs, and flatter
myself that under their auspices an accommodation may
be built on so solid a foundation as not to be shaken by
any such incident-in this perswasion and on these
principles I shall most sincerely and zealously contribute all in my power to so desirable an end, and if
no untoward accidents fall out which no human foresight can guard against I will answer with my life for
the success.
From my present situation and ignorance of certain
facts, I am sensible that I hazard proposing things
which cannot without difficulties be comply'd with; I
can only act from surmise, therefore hope allowances
will be made for my circumstances. I will suppose
then that (exclusive of the Troops requisite for the
security of Rhode Island and N. York) General Howe's
Army (comprehending every species, British, Hessians
and Provincials) amounts to twenty thoushand men capable to take the field and act offensively; by which I
mean to move to any part of the Continent where occasion requires- I will suppose that the General's design




THE LEE PAPERS.              363
with his force is to clear the Jersey's and take possession of Philadelphia —but in my opinion the taking
possession of Philadelphia will not have any decisive
consequences-the Congress and People adhering to
the Congress have already made up their minds for the
event; already They have turn'd their eyes to other
places where They can fix their seat of residence, carry
on in some measure their Government; in short expecting this event They have devis'd measures for protracting the War in hopes of some favourable turn of affairs
in Europe  the taking possession therefore of Philadelphia or any one or two Towns more, which the General may have in view, will not be decisive-to bring
matters to a conclusion, it is necessary to unhinge or
dissolve, if I may so express myself, the whole system
or machine of resistance, or in other terms, Congress
Government-this system or machine, as affairs now
stand, depends entirely on the circumstances and disposition of the People of Maryland Virginia and Pensylvania-if'the Province of Maryland or the greater part
of it is reduc'd or submits, and the People of Virginia
are prevented or intimidated from marching aid to the
Pensylvania Army the whole machine is dissolv'd and
a period put to the War, to accomplish which, is, the
object of the scheme which I now take the liberty of
offering to the consideration of his Lordship and the
General, and if it is adopted in full I am so confident
of the success that I wou'd stake my life on the issue —
I have at the same time the comfort to reflect, that in
pointing out measures which I know to be the most
effectual I point out those which will be attended with
no bloodshed or desolation to the Colonies. As the difficulty of passing and of re-passing the North River and the
apprehensions from General Carlton's Army will I am
confident keep the New Englanders at home, or at least
confine'em to the East side the River; and as their
Provinces are at present neither the seat of Government
strength nor Politicks I cannot see that any offensive
operations against these Provinces wou'd answer any




364              THE LEE PAPERS.
sort of Purpose —to secure N. York and Rhode Island
against their attacks will be sufficient.  On the supposition then, that General Howe's Army (including every
species of Troops) amounts to twenty or even eighteen
thoushand men at liberty to move to any part of the
Continent; as fourteen thoushand will be more than
sufficient to clear the Jersey's and take possession of
Philadelphia, I wou'd propose that four thoushand men
be immediately embark'd in transports, one half of
which shou'd proceed up the Patomac and take post
at Alexandria,' the other half up Chesepeak Bay and
possess themselves of Annapolis. They will most probably meet with no opposition in taking possession of
these Posts, and when possess'd they are so very strong
by nature that a few hours work and some trifling artillery will secure them against the attacks of a much
greater force than can possibly be brought down against
them —their communication with the shipping will be
constant and sure-for at Alexandria Vessels of a very
considerable burthen (of five or six hundred Tons for
instance) can lie in close to the shore, and at Annapolis
within musket shot —all the necessaries and refreshments for an Army are near at hand, and in the greatest
abundance —Kent Island will supply that of Annapolis
and every part on both banks of the Patomac that of
Alexandria. These Posts may with ease support each
other, as it is but two easy days march from one to the
other, and if occasion requires by a single days march,
They may join A and conjunctly carry on their operations wherever it shall be thought eligible to direct'em; whether to take possession of Baltimore or post
themselves on some spot on the Westward bank of the
Susquehanna which is a point of the utmost importance —but here I must beg leave to observe that there
is a measule which if the General assents to and adopts
will be attended with momentous and the most happy
consequences-I mean that from these Posts proclamations of pardon shou'd be issued to all those wh6 come
in at a given day, and I will answer for it with my life




THE LEE PAPERS.              365
=-that all the Inhabitants of that great tract southward
of the Patapsico and lying betwixt the Patomac and
Chesepeak? Bay and those on the eastern Shore of
Maryland will immediately lay down their arms-but
this is not all, I am much mistaken if those potent and
populous German districts, Frederic County in Maryland and York in Pensylvania do not follow their example-These Germans are extremely numerous, and
to a Man have hitherto been the most staunch A ssertors
of the American cause; but at the same time are so
remarkably tenacious of their property and apprehensive of the least injury being done to their fine farms
that I have no doubt when They see a probability
of their Country becoming the seat of War They
will give up all opposition but if contrary to my expectations a force should be assembled at Alexandria
sufficient to prevent the Corps detach'd thither from
taking possession immediately of the place, it will make
no disadvantageous alteration, but rather the reversea variety of spots near Alexandria on either bank of
the Patomac may be chosen for Posts equally well calculated for all the great phrposes I have mention'dviz-for the reduction or compulsion to submission of
the whole Province of Maryland for the preventing or
intimidating Virginia from sending aids to Pensylvania
-for in fact if any force is assembled at Alexandria
sufficient to oppose the Troops sent against it, getting
possession of it, it must be at the expence of the more
Northern Army, as they must be compos'd of those
Troops which were otherwise destin'd for Pensylvania
-to say all in a word,'it will unhinge and dissolve the
whole system of defence. I am so confident of the
event that I will venture to assert with the penalty of
my life if the plan is fully adopted, and no accidents
(such as a rupture betwixt the Powers of Europe) intervenes that in less than in two months from the
date of the proclamation not a spark of this desolating
war remains un.xtinguished in any part of the Continent.




366.              TlHE LEE PAPERS.
A On the Road from Annapolis to Queen Ann there
is one considerable River to be pass'd, but as the ships
boats can easily be brought round from the Bay to the
usual place of passage or Ferry, this is no impediment
if the Two Corps chuse to unite They may by a single
days march either at Queen Anns or Malbrough.
Endorsed (in the handwriting of Henry Strachey, Secretary to the
Royal Commissioners, Lord and Sir William Howe) "Mr. Lee's Plan29th March, 1777."
FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Morristown, 1 April, 1777.
DEAR SIR,
I am to inform you, that Congress, not perceiving
that any advantage would be derived, either to yourself
or the public interest, from an interview between you
and a part of their members, could not consider themselves at liberty to comply with your request.  At the
same time I am to assure you, that every means will be
pursued to provide for your safety, and the attainment
of your liberty. This I had in charge when Major
Morris was permitted to visit you; but I thought proper
to defer the communication of it, for reasons which you
would deem  satisfactory.  The enclosed letters came
when Congress transmitted the result of your applica.
tions. That from  Mr Morris contains sundry bills of
exchange, the detention of which I hope has not subjected you to the least possible inconvenience.
I am, dear Sir, with great regard and esteem,
Your most obedient Servant,
G~ WASHINGTON.
To Major General Lee,
Prisoner.




THE LEE PAPERS.             367
To ROBERT MonRIs.
N. York April ye 4th 1777.
MY DR SIR,
I have received your most friendly letter & the bills
which if not paid shall be deposited in the manner
you direct that of ~50 has been already paid by Mr
Chamier, it is much to be lamented for my own sake as
well as that of the Public that the Congress have not
thought proper to comply with my request- as their
Persons wou'd have indubitably been safe it cou'd not
possibly have been attended with any bad consequences
and might with good ones. I never before the receipt
of your letter heard a syllable of my being sent to England, and as the intentions of Lord and General Howe
are kept remarkably secret, I imagine your Informant
cou'd only advise you of this from  conjecture-but
as it possibly may happen-my anxiety for having my
servant with me, and some cloaths is great-I there.
fore request My Dr Friend that you will forward him
to me immediately if his health permits-his establishment hereafter depends on his compliance-Adieu my
Dr Morris and my respects to your wife —
Yours most sincerely
C. LEE.
Robert Morris, Esq.
I once more entreat you will send Guiseppe immediately and furnish him with the necessary money.
To Gu ISEPPI MINGHINI.
N York April 4th 1777.
GUISEPPI
If your health permits I desire you will without a
moments delay set out for this place-.your establish.




368              THE LEE PAPERS.
mentfi & fortune depend on your compliance-bring
with you as many summer cloaths as you can —silk
stockings, linnen wastecoats and breeches tights, boots
and a new hat-some books likewise particularly Ainsworth's Dictionary & the six french books, l'histoire
politique —if any of the Dogs are with you bring them.
Mr. Robt Morris will furnish you with the necessary
money.
Addio-come immediately
CHARLES LEE.
To Guiseppi Minghini,
General Lee's Servt
Philadelphia.
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
N York, April ye 5th [17771]
MY DEAR SIR:
It is a most unfortunate circumstance for myself,
and I think not less so for the Publick, that the Con.
gress have not thought proper to comply with my request-it cou'd not possibly have been attended with
any ill consequences, and might with good ones at least
it was an indulgence which I thought my situation entitled me to-but I am unfortunate in all things, and
this stroke is the severest I have yet experienced. God
send you a different fate. Adieu, My D'r General
Yours most truly and affectionately
CHARLES LEE.
P.S. The enclosed for Philadelphia —I beg you will
forward-and that if my servant comes up you will dis-.
patch him immediately.
General Washington.




THE LEE PAPERS.              369
JACOB MORRIS TO GEN. WASHINGTON.
Philadelphia April 10th 1777.
SIR,
I find by several Gentlemen lately from camp, that
I am much censured for not accepting the Commission
offer'd by the State of New York, & I am greatly concerned to hear that some people have been ill-natured
and ungenerous enough to impute my refusal to General Lee's persuation-this is a reflection upon both
that Gentleman's Character & my own that distresses
me exceedingly; & I will venture to declare that no
friend to him, me or his Country would sport such a
cruel sentiment, however 1 must allow that my refusing
immediately after my return from N. Y. was rather
untimely cand left room for ill-natured suggestions. I
only repent therefore that I had not done it previous
to my going in.
I am informed that your Excellency apprehended
I had already received the Commission & thought it
a little extraordinary that I did not send or give in my
reasons for declining at Head Quarters —but as that
was not the case, I considered it unnecessary-however
as I wish, Sir, that you shou'd be perfectly acquainted
with my objections to entering into that Corps, I shall
inform you.
It has ever been my ambition & ever will be, shou'd
my Country or your Excellency think proper to honour
me with anv military employment, to acquire, if possible, in that station, some small degree of reputation —
but being chose to so important an office as Major in
a Regiment where the Corps of officers are men of very
low Births and no educations, men who I am very conscious are totally ignorant in military affairs, who have
not sufficient abilities to improve & who I should be
suspicious in time of action might desert me & thereby
leave both my life & Character to be sacrificed, are to
me capital objections. After this let me be impertiVoL. II.-24




370              THE LEE PAPERS.
nent enough to ask whether Your Excellency can suppose I shou'd be able to bring that Regiment to any
order or perfection —their deficiency in which wou'd
fall entirely upon my Shoulders, as the most active officer in the Regiment those ostensible reasons among several others too tedious to trouble your Excelly with at
present deterred me from accepting it.
When I was informed by one of the members of the
Convention that thiey had thought proper to make me
that appointment & requested to know whether I
would take it, I made some inquiry & was led to believe that it was one of the oldest Regiments on the
new establishment of that State & returned them answer that I was very thankful for the honor they had
conferred on me & wou'd with pleasure accept but I
have since discovered that it is the youngest in the
State, where there are four Majors above me, therefore
a less probability of my rising-however I do not mean
to offer this as a reason for my refusingI must beg your Excellency's pardon when I tell
you that when I consider the length of time I have been
in service & the rank I before held in the army, I think
something more than a majority in the youngest Regiment perhaps on the Continent is due me-I claim
no other merit than the length of time.& rank I have
held in the army.
Your Excellency may rely on my wishing for nothing more ardently than to be able to remove that censure so unjustly bestowed on me by my Countrymenas the Gentleman who promised to carry this goes off
this instant-must conclude by subscribing myself
Your Excellency's very humble Servant
JACOB MonRIs.
His Excelly Gen' Washington.




THE LEE PAPERS..            371
To ROBERT MORRIS.
N. York, May ye 19th 1777.
iMY DR SIR,
I have just received your letter of the 18 of April
— it is very unfortunate that the Congress shou'd have
conceiv'd that the Conference which the Gentlemen who
were deputed were to have had with me was to have
been in the presence of a British Officer-but as I had
no notion that they wou'd entertain such an idea it never
enter'd my head to assure'em of the contrary-it would
for several reasons have been highly improper to have
open'd the business by letter —which if I have the pleasure of seeing you you will be convine'd of the two small
bills remain as yet unpaid but I have no occasion for
money at present as my table is very handsomely kept
by the General, who has indeed treated me in. all respects with kindness generosity and tenderness.  My
love to Byrd to Mrs Morris and all my other particular friernds-and believe me to be, Dr Sir,
Your most obdt humble servt and Sincere Friend,
CHARLES LEE.
Robert Morris, Esq.
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Centurion, June 9th, 1777.
MY DEAR SIR:
Multiplicity of business, the miscarriage of letters
or some accident has prevented you from doing what
really is in my opinion an act of justice-I mean clea.ring up to the world the charge brought against Lord
Drummond for a breach of Parole; after having read
all the Papers relative to this subject, his letters to you,
yours to him, Capt Vanderput's, and the Parole, I declare solemnly that it does not appear to me that there




372              THE LEE PAPERS.
is any one thing in his Lordship's conduct which merited even the shadow of censure. The intention of the
Parole in restraining him from going on board any of
the King's ships was certainly to prevent intelligence
being given of the state of the Continent. As this was
manifestly the intention I could almost say that if even
he had gone on board the Asia voluntarily altho' the
terms of the Parole would not have been literally adhered to, the spirit would not have been violated, as it
cannot possibly be supposed that he could give any intelligence which would have been new to Capt Vanderput; to and from whose ship people were passing and
repassing every day-but Capt. Vanderput's evidence
puts it beyond all doubt that his Lordship did not go
voluntarily but was compelled on board.
A public charge from persons we esteem sinks deep
in the mind of a man of sentiment and feeling. I really
believe Lord Drummond to be such, and have reason to
think that he has an esteem for you, at least from all I
can learn he has ever spoken of you in the handsomest
terms. Now, as it appears to me that there can be no
doubt from the concurrence of every testimony of his
having adhered as scrupulously as possible to the spirit
of the Parole, as the affair is of so delicate a nature, as
I am acquainted with your way of thinking, I repeat
that I must ascribe it rather to a miscarriage of his letters than to any other cause that you have not done him
that justice which, had you received them, I am persuaded you must have thought his due. I can perceive
he is very much hurt at the charge, and his sensibility
I confess, increases the good opinion I before had of
him. Not only therefore justice to him but let me add
My Dear General, a regard for you obliges me to wish
that this affair may be cleared up in some manner satisfactory to the party I think injured; it is a duty which
I know if omitted cannot fail of giving much uneasiness hereafter to a man of your rectitude and humanity.
I must observe in addition that I cannot imagine his
Lordship's return after an absence of three months




TEE LEE PAPERS.              373
could administer any reasons for suspicion, for he must
either have remained in the West Indies or have returned to some port in North America, as he was prevented by the spirit of the Parole from going to England, indeed the terms of the Parole implied an obligation to return to New York. His long absence likewise from the Continent rendered it impossible for him
to furnish any intelligence of the situation of affairs.
Should it be asked, why a man in my present situation
should interest myself so warmly in this business with
which I myself had no concern?  I must answer that
not only my love of justice, my duty as a Gentleman,
and my regard for you enjoin the task, but that I really
feel myself personally obliged to Lord Drummond, for
since my confinement he has shown a most generous,
humane and disinterested attention to me.  In the
course of conversation this business was accidentally
brought on the carpet. As I was a stranger to the circumstances, I was anxious to be made acquainted with
them. He submitted the papers to my perusal —I
really thought him injured; assured him that it must
have proceeded from mistake or the miscarriage of his
letters, and offered myself as a volunteer instrument to
obtain some reparation.  Let me hear from you My
Dear General, as soon as possible, and on this subject.
God preserve and bless you and send you every possible felicity is the prayer of one who is most
Truly and affectionately yours
CHARLES LEE.
As I would not unnecessarily swell the packet
I have been contented with sending the letters to and
from Capt Vanderput —which I think sufficient. This
I do on the supposition that those sent have miscarried.




3`74            THE LEE PAPERS.
FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Head Quarters Morris Town July 4th 1777.
DEAR SIR
I received your favor of the 7th June, in which you
enter into a consideration of the breach of parole imputed to Lord Drummond, and give it as your opinion,
that his conduct has not been such as to justify the imputation.
It can answer no valuable purpose to enter into a
discussion of the particulars of this affair, which would
probably end as it began and leave his Lordship and
myself in the same way of thinking respecting it, which
we now entertain. I shall only observe, that at the
time thie matter happened, it was clearly my sentiment
and that of every Gentleman with whom I conversed on
the subject, that his Lordship had acted in an exceptionable ilanner, irreconcileable to the true spirit of his
parole. No circumstance, that has since come to my
knowledge, appears to me to be of sufficient weight to
remove the suspicion, and from any thing I know, I
must still retain the same idea of his conduct that I had
at first.
I should be sorry to injure his Lordship or any
other Gentleman, in so delicate a point, but I do not
think justice requires me, either to retract or extenuate
what I have said. He may perhaps have acted as he
did through misconception; but whatever was the
cause, the conclusion I draw was fully authorised by
appearances.
You cannot but be sensible, My dear Sir, that the
omission of trifling circumstances, or a small difference
in representing the same, is capable of altering the complexion of a fact and making it appear in a light very
opposite to that in which it ought really to stand, and
this will suggest the propriety of not being hasty in




T'rHE LLEE PAPERS.          375
fixing your judgment as to the true nature of his Lordship's proceeding in this affair.
I am with much regard and esteem
Dear Sir, Your most Obdt Servt
G~ WASHINGTON.
To Major General Lee,
Prisoner.
To MIss  SIDNEY LEE.
New York, Decr ye 15, 1777.
MY DR SISTER,
This note will I believe, be del'd to you by Captp
Rutherford, a very particular friend of mine. He will
inform you that my health & spirits are much better
than I had reason to expect, for the transition from.
great and constant exercise to restraint is trying. Our
Friend Butler is always the same man he was; and I
need not say more to his honor. He tells me that you
are tolerably well: keep up your spirits, for mine are
good. Hlow do the Townshends? My love to'em all,
to the Manwarrings, Faulkners, Hinks's and Hunts.
Adieu, God bless you,
Your most affectionate Brother
C. LEE.
PAROLE.
I CHARLES LEE of London in the County of Middlesex in England having Leave from his Excellency General Sir Henry Clinton to be out on Parole, do hereby
pledge my Faith and Word of Honor, that I will not
depart from the House I am placed ill by the Commissary for Prisoners, and that I will not go beyond the
Limits of this City, and that I will not do so or say
any Thing contrary to the Interest of his Majesty or




376             THE LEE PAPERS.
his Government, and that whenever required so to do, I
will repair to whatever Place any of his Majesty's
Commanders in Chief shall judge expedient to order
me.
Given under my Hand in, New York this,27th of
-December 1777.
CHARLES LEE.
Witness, J. WEMYSS
A true Copy
JOHN WINSLOW,
D. CYom. Prisoners.
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
New York December ye 30th 1777.
DR. GENERAL
As I have the strongest reason to flatter myself
that You interest yourself in whatever concerns my
comfort and welfare I think it my duty to inform you
that my condition is much better'd-it is now four or
five days that I am on my parole, have the full liberty
of the City and its limits, have horses at my command
furnished by Sr Henry Clinton and General Robinson
— am lodg'd with two of the oldest and warmest Friends
I have in the world —Colonel Butler and Major Disney
of ye 38th Regt with the former I was bred up from the
age of nine years at school-the latter is a Commilito
from the time I enter'd the service in the 44th Regt.-in
short my situation is rendered as easy, comfortable and
pleasant as possible for a man who is in any sort a Prisoner-I have nothing left to sigh for but that some
circumstance may arise which may make it convenient
for both Parties that a general exchange may take place,
and I amongst the rest reap the advantage. I have or
can have no request at present, my Dr General to make
but that you will commission some proper Person to




THE LEE PAPERS.            3877
recommend the care of my Farm  and affairs to Mr
Nourse and to MrWhite of Winchester to give my
love to all my Friends, particularly to Green, Mifflin,
Reed and Moyland and to be persuaded that I am most
sincerely and devotedly
Yours
CHARLES LEE.
To His Excellency-General Washington.
JACOB MORRIS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Princeton, January 21st 1778.
SiP
Major Williams who will deliver your Excellency
this Packet handed me the inclosed papers from my
Friend Genl Lee this morning. His being in some
measure relieved from his confinement is an event upon
which I most sincerely congratulate your Excellency.
As I shall wait your Excellency's instructions how
to proceed with regard to the several applications contained in the Genls letters, the honour of a few lines
from Head Quarters as speedily as possible on that
subject will make me very happy.
Those Letters directed to myself and such other
papers which are inclosed, as shall be thought proper,
I must submit to your Excellency's pleasure to return
with the answer to this.
I remain with Great Respect
Your Excellency's
Most obedient humble Servant,
JACOB MORRIS.
His Excellency General Washington.
Major Williams.




378              THE LEE PAPERS.
FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Valley Forge, 27 January, 1778.
DEAR SIR,
I last night received your favor of the 30th ultimo.
It gave me great pleasure to hear that you were released
from your confined situation, and permitted so many
indulgences. You may rest assured, that I feel myself
very much interested in your welfare, and that every
exertion has been used on my part to effect your
exchange. This I have not been able to accomplish.
However, from the letters, which have lately passed
between Sir William Howe and myself upon the subject of prisoners, I am authorized to expect, that you
will return in a few days to your friends on parole, as
Major-General Prescott will be sent in on the same
terms for that purpose. Indeed, till I saw Major Williams last night, I supposed that he had arrived either
at New York or Rhode Island, having directed his
releasement as soon as I was at liberty to do it. I will
take the earliest opportunity to recommend to your
friends, Mr Nourse and Mr White, the care of your
farm.
Your request to Major Morris, in favor of Mrs.
Battier, reached me only last night. I wish I had been
informed of it sooner. I have enclosed a passport for
her to Major Morris, and I doubt not but he will do
everything in his power to accommodate a lady, from
whose husband you have received so many civilities.
I am, dear Sir, with great esteem and regard &~.
GO WASHINGTON.
FROM DR. MATTHEW POWELL.
Jamaica 1t March 1778.
DEAR GENERAL,
Going into the Coffee House at Kingston, I heard
that a Ship was to sail for New York, and hearing




THIE LEE PAPERS.            379
that you were there, the thought struck me, to enquire
how my friend fared in these troublesome times. As
afriend I have often sympathized with you, tho' perhaps I have not coincided with you in opinion. I have
often, and still regret that so great and good talents
were not employed for that Country & that Constitution so deservedly held in Veneration over all the
World, yet I still flatter myself that an accommodation
will take place, & reinstate everything in its proper
Channel.
I am now & have been settled in this Island four
years-a married man, & father of a fine Girl-a Physician practising the healing art, and proprietor of a
Sugar Plantation-All which I believe will plant me
here for some years. I shall be much pleased to hear
how you do-and should be happy if any chance should
bring you to this Island, to testify the esteem I have
for you. I am told it would not be right to Seal my
letter. I shall comply with what is right, but nothing
can Seal my mouth from assuring you with how much
regard I have the honor to be, Dear General,
Your most obt. & most humble Servant,
MATT POWELL.
(my address)   Physician in Spanish Town.
JOSHUA LORING TO COL. SAMUEL B. WEBB.
New York, March 15th 1778.
DEAR SIR,
I yesterday made application to General Robertson
for your proposal, and had I met the same Encouragement from the Commodore every thing had been settled to your Wishes, but I apprehend it will now not
be worth your attention, as I have this Morn'g: received
a letter from Mr Boudinott with Gen' Washington's leave
to go to Phila & I am to take Genl Lee with me, and
expect a general Exchange will immediately take place




380              THE LEE PAPERS.
if I can be of any Service to you command me and am
Sir
Your Most Obedt Humble Servt
JOSA LORING,
CommissY Prisrs
Col. Webb.
JOSHUA LORING TO LELIAS BOUDINOT.
New York, March 18th 1778.
SIR,
I am to acknowledge the receipt of yours of 8th
Inst inclosing a Pass for Major Williams & myself to
go to Phila with General Lee, for which I think myself
much obliged. I have sent over to Long Island for a
very particular acet of all the Monies due to the Inhabtants for your Officers board, and have directed Mr.
Winslow to forward it to You, as it will be impossible
to get it in time for me to bring, as we set out the 20th
but for your Government I have made a rough Estimate and think it will take about ~10,000, N. Y. Curry
to discharge the whole. They went over to the Island
20th Jany 1777 & We have never had less than 250 there
one time with another, they were on board Ship but 12
days. I have only to add my wishes for a speedy &
final Settlement of our business, and. that in future there
may be a better Understanding.  You shall hear from
me the moment I arrive at Phil.
I am Sir
Your Most Obdt Humble Servt
JOSA LORING.
Elias Boudinott, Esq.
RECEIPT.
Received from Colonel William Butler, Eight




THE LEE PAPERS.             381
pounds Eleven & Six pence, str. being in full for
Eight Dozen port Wine sold General LeeNew York, 21lt March, 1778.
ROBERT [SEcoR]
~8: 11: 6. stg.
JACOB MoRRIs TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Bristol 26th March 1778.
SIR,
It makes me very happy to have it in my power to
transmit a piece of information which I am sure will
be highly pleasing to Your Excellency.
I parted with Gen' Lee yesterday at the Enemy's
Lines near Philadelphia in good health & spirits —he
acquainted me by a note before I left the picket that
as soon as Col. Campbell & the Hessian officers arrive
Sir Wm Howe had informed Mr. Loring that he should
be permitted to come out.
Inclosed is a letter for Mr. Boudinot.
I am with great respect
Your ExcellYF most ob. humble Sert
JACOB MORRIS.
His ExcellY Gen! Washington.
ALEX. IHAMIL.TON TO GENERAL GREENE.
DI. GENERAL,
We have to request you will order a couple of very
good teams to be got ready to proceed to the enemy's
lines for General Lee's baggage. He is to come out on
parole on Sunday morning. You will judge when they
ought to set out from here-suppose to-rmorrow noon,
so as to get in the neighborhood of Vandeering's mill
by to-morrow night. When they are ready to set out




382              THE LEE PAPERS.
to-morrow let them make report to Head Quarters and
passports will be given.
Yr. hum. Serv.
A. HAMILTON, A. D. C.
Head Quarters
April 3. [1778.]
PAROLE.
I CHARLES LEE Major General do hereby acknowledge myself a Prisoner of War to the Kings Army,
and do pledge my Faith & Sacred Honor that I will not
directly, nor indirectly give any intelligence to the
King's Enemies, nor say nor do anything contrary to
the interest of his Majesty or his government, but in all
things will conduct myself as a Prisoner of War ought
to do, and that whenever required, I will immediately
repair to whatever place His Excellency the Commander in Chief of his Majesty's army in North America
shall please to order
Given under my hand this 5th Daby of April at
Phila 1778.
CHARLES LEE.
Im Pr'esence of
CHAS O'HARA.
JOSa LoRING.
To GENERAL WASHINGTOXN
York April ye 13th 1778.
IDI GENERAL
I have reason to hope that the Congress will unem.
barrass the negotiation of the Commissioners with respect to a general exchange of Prisoners, of all matter
which I think foreign to the purpose and that I shall
soon be at liberty to take an active part-but I could




THE LEE PAPERS.             383
wish that they would be a little more expeditious tho
we cannot expect expedition from democratic councilsit is a curse annexed to the blessing-I perhaps ought to
make an apology to you for a liberty I have taken, but
if it is viewed in a proper point of view, I am in hopes
it can neither be considered a step of indelicacy towards
you, nor by General Howe as any violation of the parole I have given. You must know that it has long
been the object of my studies, how to form an army in
the most simple manner possible-I once wrote a treatise tho I did not publish it, for the use of the Militia of
England. By reading Machiavel's institutions and Martial Saxe I have taken it into my head that I understand it better than almost any man living-in short I
am mounted on a hobby horse of my own training and
it runs away with me indeed I am so infatuated with it
that I cannot forbear boasting its excellencies on all
occasions, to Friends or Enemies-You must excuse me
therefore if I could not refrain from recommending the
Beast to some members of the Congress.
God bless you, My Dr General, and make you happy
-for I am most sincerely and affectionately yours
CHARLEs LEE.
Inclosed are two notes-for two of my particular
friends-which I entreat you will forward by the first
Flag of Truce.
PLAN OF AN ARMY, ETC.
A Plan for the Formation of the American Army in the
least Expensive Manner possible, and at the same
Time for rendering their Manceuvres so little complex that all the Essentials may be learnt, and practised in a few Weeks.
It is allowed by all sensible Soldiers that the Formation Arrangement, and Exercise of the Infantry in




384              THE LEE PAPERS.
Europe are extremely deficient in Point of Simplicity,
that nothing taught is practicable in Action, and it is to
be lamented that America has servilely copied these Defects: the Romans, who undoubtedly were the greatest
Masters of Tactics were remarkably simple to so great
a Degree Indeed that four days of what they called de
Versis, or we call drilling were only thought requisite
-Martial Saxe saw this, and made a public Jest of the
Arrangement of Modern Armies, it is true the Invention of Fire Arms has made some Difference; but the
Principles of Tactics continue, and ever will continue
the same so far as relates to Division, and Subdivisions,
charging the Front, advancing, rallying and retreating
without Confusion-Colours, Colours he repeats it are
the Life and Soul of Manceuvring, and if ever Simplicity
was necessary it certainly is for the Americans, who are
drawn from their Ploughs have little Time for dressing,
and are called forth immediately to actual service —I
will venture to pronounce that if the Americans are servilely kept to the European Plan, they will make an
Aukward, Figure, be laugh'd at as a bad Army by their
Enemy, and defeated in every Rencontre which depends
on Manceuvres: and I will on the other hand Venture
to pronounce that if the Plan propos'd is adopted they
will be superior to the Enemy in Every Affair which
depends on Manceuvres —It is so simple, Plain, and obvious to every Man who has Common Sense, that if the
Officers have only common Discretion, and can at all
judge of Distances, they cannot be thrown into Confusion; that they will with Ease change their Front, retire, advance, or rally —
The King of Prussia was ask'd by Martial Saxe why
he continued to adhere to a System so obviously barbarous, he acknowledged it was barbarous, but as long
as he beat his Enemies who were equally in a State of
Barbarism, he thought it absurd to change it, for the
Barbarism itself was an advantage to him, as long as
other Powers were so kind were so kind as to tread in
the same steps. His Troops were continually exercised,




THE LEE PAPERS.              385
and by dint of Exercise what was complex to other
Troops to an Extreme Degree, were rendered in some
Measure Simple, and easy to his: but if once other
Powers adopted a system more simple he should certainly be obliged to do the same; but what in this way
of Reasoning may be sensible in a German Prince would
be to the highest Degree absurd in the Americans who
ought to make it their Study to come to the Essential
Point at once-In this Persuasion the following Plan is
offer'd]Resolv -That
1lt Each Regiment to consist of two Battalions.
2d Each Battalion to consist of four Companies,
Centuries or Grand Division.
3d Each Company, Century, or Grand Division to
consist of one Captain, I Captn Lt., 2 Lieuts, 1 Ensign,
or Standard Bearer-8 or at least 6 Sergeants, and the
same number of Corporals One Hundred and 20 Privates which is Sixty four Files, two Deep-two Drummers, or horn Sounders.
4th A Colour or Standard to every Grand Division,
Company or District One Lt Colonel, Major, Adjutant,
Sergeant Major, Drum Major, Horn Soundler, Major to
each BattalionThe Regimentary Officers to be one Colonel, one
Regimental Colour Bearer or Ensign Major with an
Orderly Horseman to attend the Colonel-the Ensign
Major to have the rank of Lieut-so that Every Reg.
iment will consist of —1 Colonel, 2 Lt Cols, 2 Majors,
8 Captains, 8 Capt LtUS, 16 Lieuts, 1 Ensign Major, 8
Ensigns, 56 or 64 Sergeants or Corporals, 2 Sergt Majors, 2 Drum Majors, 16 Drummers. or horn Sounders,
1024 Privates.
Thus the Battalions will be compleatly and distinctly
Officer'd, and the Expence less than that of any European Establishment.
It may be said that the Proportion of Officers is still
too great, that Economy dictates a further Diminution
the same argument might serve for Arming the Men
VOL. II.-25




386              THE LEE I'APERS.
with sticks instead of Muskets; but in the formation
of Armies, the great Point to be considered is how to
render'em serviceable and fit for Action-if the Officers
are well chosen there cannot be too great a NumberEvery Man who has seen Service complains of the
paucity of Officers-there Certainly ought to be as great
a Number of Officers in the Day of Action in the Rear,
as in the Front of a Battalion  Many Battles have been
lost from this defect, it is true if the Officers, are not
well chosen, they are Encumbrance, and Useless Expence, but for this the Appointees must answerAs the preposterous Number of General Officers are
not only Expensive, and a great Disadvantage in the
Exchange of Prisoners —but a Depreciation of the Dignity of the American ServiceI would propose that every Brigade should consist
of tour Regiments or Eight Battalions, that a Major
General's Division should be eight Regiments, 16 Battalions; if it should be at any Time necessary, (as it
must be) to divide a Brigade; the Eldest of the four
Colonels may act as an Occasional Brigadier. —I know
not what is the State of the Field Artillery; if there
are Guns Sufficient two should be appointed to each
Regiment; but I could wish to recommend four or
Eight Rifled. Barrel'd Amaretts [amlusettes] of Four
Ounce Calibre, mounted on Light Carriages —I think
they would do more Execution on the whole than
Field PiecesAs to Cavalry (but I speak it with the utmost Difficulty, as I am not or cannot be much acquainted with
the service) it appears to me, that digesting it with one
Corps, and appointing one General as it is called of
Horse to command and controul it will rather be: disadvantageous, than advantageous to the service-IHe
must be a bold man that will undertake it a Cavalry
Officer is not to be form'd in a Day, a Week a Year,
-or five Years he must be bred to it from his YouthWith all their Pains there are not five tolerable Cay-.alry Officers in Europe-The Detail, and combinations




THE LEE PAPERS.              387
are infinite; and if ever any Officer is appointed. to
command the whole, the consequence will probably be
that to cloak his own Insufficiency which is inevitable:
he will only check the Ardor (by absurd Restriction)
of those who as the head of their respective States may
in the Spirit of Partisans render Essential ServicesUpon the whole, I could wish that the Spirit of Hussary might be encouraged, that every Young Gentleman, who can raise a Troop might be allowed to exercise his Genius and Industry with as few Restrictions
as are consistent with the general Rules of Subordination; that they may have full Play for their Valour,
Industry, and Enterprise-Pulaski's Scheme of dressing, arming, and Manceuvring his Legion appears to
me admirable-I sincerely wish that Congress may
double the Number of his Legion, as I am persuaded
from his Principle that he will render them most essential services-A Company of Five Negroes were annext
to every Regiment to act as Pioneers they would be Extremely serviceableIt is said that a Design -is Entertained of laying
aside Entirely the Office of Colonel, this in my opinion
would be Wrong —as the more degrees of Rank there
are in an AIrnm the more spurs there are to military
ardor, and ambition-The Romans had at least fifty
different Ranks of officers in their Legion: but if the
Expence is objected to four Battalions may be thrown
into a Regiment, and two Regiments form a BrigadeI have heard it has been likewise proposed to take the
Staff that is the Aid de Camps and Brigade Majors out
of the Line, as is the Practice of the British Army; if
this Plan is adopted it will in my opinion ruin the
Army. Of the many defects in, the British Military
Establishment, this is universally Exclaimed against as
the greatest; it is the Eternal subject of complaint,
Discontent, and Murmuring: for God's sake let us not
copy their defects  a Regimental Colour is necessary
for every Regiment, by which all their manceuvres must
be regulated-Although I object to a General of Horse:




388              THE LEE PAPERS.
I think an Inspector to Examine their state and condition absolutely necessaryThere is little Probability of America being so superior in Force with their Manifest Inferiority in other
Respects as to make an Offensive War: to say that the
Americans are so equal to the British in Discipline
Officers, and even Ardor or Numbers, as that a Decisive
Action in fair Ground may be risqued is talking Nonsense-to hold this Language to the common Soldiers
may be prudent enough; but to try the Experiment
would be Insanity: a plan of Defense, harassing and
impeding can alone Succeed; And in consequence a
General Scheme should be laid out —The Enemy will
certainly act offensively; and their Plan must be one
of these three; to attack, and Cut off Genl Washington, to carry on a Wasting War; or to make themselves
masters 6f certain I)istricts or.Posts, which will give
them a greater Extent of Country; occasion Defection
amongst the People from Intimidation; and of Course
add to their Numbers by American Recruits; if the
first is their Plan no Rules can be prescribed; the Issue
must certainly depend on General Washington's Force
and conduct; if the Second a large Body of Light
Troops both horse and foot. commanded by Vigilant
Judicious, and active Officers can alone defeat and baffle'em —but if the last is their Project our Preparations
are more Simple it is most probable that General Howe
will endeavor to make himnself master of Lancaster, and
give himself Possession of that Rich Country-to prevent which the following Measures are necessary-As
it is a Standing Maxim in War to begin with securing
our Rear, and providing for a Retreat: all the Fords
of Susquehanna from the mouth of Juniata to the Bay
ought thoroughly to be Examined only two left open.and these two most conveniently chosen, relative to the
Position of the covering army; both banks of these
two ought to be Strongly redoubted; but as Fords are at
best but a precarious Communication-the whole Boats
of the River ought to be collected to the most Con



THE LEE PAPERS.              389
venient Point, and protected in the same manner as
both Banks by Redoubts: when the Rear Retreat,
and Command are thus Secured, able Field Engineers
ought to be Employed to chuse-proper Positions to
cover Lancaster —If Conestoga Creek is well reconnoitrd, I am mistaken if many Excellent Posts may not
be discovered-Where Strong Redoubts or rather Forts
ought to be constructed but in such a manner that a
Retreat (if there is occasion to withdraw the Troops
which occupy'em) may be not precarious-It is far
from impossible that if these Precautions are made
known to the Enemy-but that they may attempt to
turn the Susquehanna by Embarquing their Troops,
landing them at Baltimore, or somewhere to the Westward of the mouth-Baltimore ought therefore to be
put in a state of Defence-and the Ablest Surveying
Field Engineers be immediately detached to Examine
the whole tract from  Baltimore along the Western
Bank quite to York, and chuse Positions that may be
taken if occasion requires, and mark out at least if not
construct Forts or Redoubts at proper PassesEndorsed, (in the handwriting of Charles Thomson, Secretary of Congress) " Genl Lee's plan of an Army, & thoughts on the mode of conducting Operations for the Campaign —1778."
To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.,  MAlasters, April ye 17th, 1778.
D"' SIR,
As the Congress have shewn a solicitude to procure
my exchange (which does me infinite honour) I beg
leave to submit to their judgment a mode which I think
wou'd infallibly succeed-it is this, that General Burgoyne shou'd be liberated from all obligation not to act
on condition I am put at entire liberty-but as He is
of higher rank any other General Officer or two Field
Officers shou'd be thrown with me into the bargainas to Mr. Prescott They set not the least value upon




390              THE LEE PAPERS.
him-and tho' General Howe may perhaps in his own
heart, be entirely indifferent, or rather wish that Burgoyne may not be at liberty-a point of delicacy will
in my opinion oblige him to accede to the proposalwhether I am an object of this importance or not They
are the best judges but to speak plainly and perhaps
vainly I am really convinc'd as things are circumstanc'd,
I am of more consequence to you than aGeneral Burgoine is to the other Party I am far from clear that
his being liberated will not be advantageous to America, as He certainly is not on the best terms with the
Commander in Chief. I am well and hope always shall
be well with General Washington-and to speak again
vainly I am perswaded (considering how he is surrounded) that he cannot do without me. I ought, I
confess, to have propos'd this when I was with you, but
the odd humour in which I found some of the members
almost frightened me from giving my opinion on any
subject. I intreat, my dr. Sir, that you will mnake this
motion, or if you think it improper, as President —to
put the affair into the hands of some of my particular
Friends, Mr Lee, Mr Carrol, or Mr Chase-if Burgoine
is not yet gone it will certainly succeed —and if he is
gone it will in all probability. I have many reasons
to think it will, but at least it is worth the experiment.
God bless you, Sir, let me hear from you as soon as
possible
Yours most sincerely and affectionately,
CHARLES LEE.
Endorsed (in the handwriting of President Laurens) "Major Genl. Lee
17th April, 1778. Recd 21st at night."
FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Valley Forge, 22 April, 1778.
DEAR SIR,
Mr Boudinot, at Commissary Loring's request, met
him at Germantown yesterday; from whence he is just




THE LEE PAPERS.             391
returned, after having agreed on a final'exchange of
yourself and other officers, with that gentleman. That
delay may not produce danger, I shall send in a flag
tomorrow for your parole; and, when obtained, I shall
most cordially and sincerely congratulate you on your
restoration to your country and to the army. I could
not however refrain, till the happy event should take
place, from rejoicing with you on the probability of it,
nor from expressing my wish of seeing you in camp, as
soon as you can possibly make it convenient to yourself, after you are perfectly at liberty to take an active part with us; of which I shall not delay giving you
the earliest notice. I have received your favor of the
13th instant from Yorktown. The contents shall be
the subject of conversation, when I have the pleasure
of seeing you in circumstances to mount your hobbyhorse, which will not, I hope, on trial be found quite
so limping a jade, as -the one on which -you set out for
York.
lam, &~
G~ WASHINGTON.
To Major General Lee.
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Prato Verde April ye 28th 1778.
MY DR GENERAL
You may better imagine than I can express the happiness which your letter gave me, tho at the time I received it which was the night before last, there was
some little drawback on my happiness-viz a small attack of the gout with indications of its being a severe
fit, but by three doses of what Lord Chatham calls the
great American Panacea, I find myself so much better
and the indications so much weaker that I hope to set
out tomorrow or the next day at furthest-but you may




392              THE LEE PAPERS.
be assur'd that I will not defer my departure a single
moment.
I have read the Papers, and all I shall say on the
subject is that nothing can equal the impudence of
North and his Colleagues but the patience or rather
stupid forbearance of the People in not tearing the
S(coundrels to pieces.
Adieu My Dr General till I have the pleasure of
seeing you.
CHARLES LEE.
His Excellency General Washington,
Head Quarters.
To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
York Town May 13th 1778
SIR,
When I first engaged nmyself in the cause of America, I was a Major General of six years standing in
the Polish service, and Lt Colonel in the English which
last I should not have retained, if the half pay annexed to it had not been too considerable a sum to
throw wantonly away, or had it been incompatible with
my higher rank-General Ward to whom, for certain
reasons, precedence of me was given, and to which I
acquiesced for these reasons, afterwards resigned, and I
of course became second in command.
Since the first establishment of the AmeriCan army
a very great an(l rapid promotion has been made of
General Officers, All the Brigadiers, a multitude of
Colonels, and some even below that rank are now in
the same rank with myself, in short whilst others are
advanced several steps, I remain stationary I hope I
shall not be thought to speak invidiously when I remark that there is no officer in your service of any degree whatever, who held the same rank in Europe that




THE LEE PAPERS.             393
I did, and that had I chosen to have remained in the
Polish or Portuguese service or entered into the Russian, I should at this day have been a Lieut. General.
I must humbly therefore refer it to the consideration
and justice of the Congress whether it is reasonable
that I should be kept in the same station not only with
those who have never had rank in other services, but
with those who entered into the American, in so much a
lower capacity than myself, I must beg leave to add
that before I had the misfortune of being taken
prisoner, and upon the first great promotion of Brigadiers to the rank of Major Generals, my remaining
stationary appeared so unreasonable to his Excellency
Gen Washington that he attributed it merely to inadvertency and seemed to make no doubt, but that on the
first application, the Congress would assent to my promotion.
I am Sir with the greatest respect,
Your most Obt Humbl Servt.
CHARLES LEE.
The Honble Mr. Laurens.
CHARLES PETTIT TO COL. THOMAS BRADFORD.
Moore Hall, 19 May 1778.
DEAR Sin,
General Lee has signified his Expectation of being
in camp to morrow, and His Excellency has desired me
to provide Quarters for him on the Right of the Army.
I have sent an Officer round and can find no tolerable
Prospect of accommodating him unless you and your
Brother will be kind enough to remove from the Quarters you are in; in such Case other good Quarters shall
be assigned you. Col. Biddle mentions to me Mr.
Moses Coates's about a mile from hence, just back of
his Quarters, where there is a good House and agreeable Family with every convenient Accommodation,




394              THE LEE PAPERS.
and will probably suit you both at least equally well
with your present Situation. The Necessity of providing Quarters in that Neighbourhood for Gen' Lee
obliges me to make this Request, and as it will so much
tend to accomodate the Army and oblige Gen' Greene
and myself, I cannot doubt the ready Compliance both
of your Brother (to whom my Compliments) and
yourself.
I am Sir
Your most obedt hume Servt
CHAS. PETTIT A. Q. NM. Gent
Col. Thomas Bradford,
D. Comny of Prisoners.
MEMORANDUM.
[May     1778.]
I have the strongest reason to think (my reasons
shall be given hereafter) that it is not General Howe's
intention to direct his operations against Boston, but
that his views are to establish himself in the Middle
Colonies. I may be mistaken but the reasons for my
surmise are very strong-I have the strongest reasons
to persuade myself that He will not endeavour to force
his way in a direct rout towards the Susquehannah
but that he will endeavour to deceive Gen: Washington
by appearances and turn his fank either by transporting
some part of his Troops in ships to the head of Chesapeake Bay or by forced marches and Pontoons, crossing
the Susquehannah and taking Post on the Western bank
of that River for which reason I cou'd wish at least
that there was a corps of observation somewhere on
that Bank. I shou'd think Gunpowder River well
calculated for that purpose-I have the strongest reason
to think that the Enemy have an idea (I know  they
had the last year) to make a grand foraging party (if
I may so express it) in order to collect and seize all the




TTHE LEE -PAPERS.            395
Tobacco near the great navigable waters of Maryland;
for which reason I cou'd wish that the stores of Tobacco
near the navigable waters were remov'd back. and
secur'd-the grounds of this idea are that considering
the high price Tobacco bears They should be.the (sic)
able to indemnify themselves for the expenses. of. a
Campaign or at least enrich the Captors, which to them
is a Capital object. I have likewise the strongest
reason to think that they flatter themselves that by.
establishing themselves about Annapolis, Baltimore, or
even Alexandria-They shall be able to augment considerably their army with convict and indented servants
-it therefore behoves the Congress and General to
take such measures as will secure this suspected class
of men, I own I wish that Annapolis, Baltimore,
Alexandria, and the avenues from these places to York
were put in a State of defence-at least the precaution
can be attended with no inconvenience If General
Burgoine and his troops can consistently with honor
and good faith be retain'd for some months, the advantages will be prodigious. I think it may be done the
Tories now  on their parole may be reclaim'd and I
believe will not answer the Summons.
Endorsed (in the handwriting of General Washington) "From Major
Gen. Lee, 1778."
FRoM OTWAY BYRD.
Nesting, June 1l 1778.
MY DEAR GENERAL,
As your enlargement is now reduced to a certainty,
I shall beg leave most heartily to congratulate you;
and give you every-affectionate assurance of the satisfaction I enjoy on the happy event: and must be permitted to inform  you that very few  circumstances




396              THE LEE PAPERS.
either private or public could afford me more real
pleasure than is occasioned by this instance of your
good fortune-I was as far as Fredericksburg on my
way to Berkeley in hopes of having the indulgence of
giving you these tokens of attachment in person, but
was extremely disappointed, when I was made acquainted with your return to Camp.
Had I not from many substantial reasons been induced to quit the Military life, I should have thought
myself exceedingly happy to have had the honor of
once more attending my worthy General in the Field,
and I am vain enough to flatter myself from the many
instances I have experienced of his friendship I shouldn't
have been a disagreeable one in the number of his
retinue. If you are not provided with Gentlemen to
act in the capacity of Aid-de-Camps, I would take the
liberty to recommend a Captain Page of Col.'Baylor's
Regiment, a young Gentleman with whom I am connected, and one whom I have the highest opinion of.
As I may succeed in my recommendation, I think it
necessary to give you a hint of his being a Virginia[n],
and a person possessed of that degree [of] laziness you
so justly observed is natural to us who are unlucky
enough to be born under so hot a meridian. As I know
you would rather write than be idle, I am in great
hopes I shall now & then be favoured with an epistleMy Mother, Sister Farley, and the fat Squire insist on
presenting their Love to you.
I am My Dear Gen'
Yours truly Affectionate
OTwAY BYRDe.
Major General Lee
Head Quarters Valley Forge Camp




THE LEE PAPERS.              397
To BENJAMIN RUSH.
Camp at Valley forge June ye 4th 1778.
MY DI RUSH,
Tho I had no occasion for fresh assurances of your
Friendship, I cannot help being much pleased with the
warmth which your letter, deliver'd to me by Mr. Hale,
breathes, and I hope it is unnecessary to assure you that
my sentiments with respect to you, are correspondentYou would think it odd that I shou'd seem to be an
Apologist for General Howe. I know not how it happens, but when I have taken prejudices in favor or
against a Man, I find a difficulty in shaking them offFrom my first acquaintance with Mr Howe I lik'd him
I thought him friendly candid good natur'd brave and
rather sensible than the reverse. I believe still that he
is naturally so, but a corrupt or more properly speaking no education, the fashion of the times, the reigning
idolatry amongst the English (particularly the soldiery)
for every scepter'd Calf, Wolf, Hog, or Ass, have so
totally perverted his understanding and heart, that
private friendship has not force sufficient to keep a
door open for the admittance of mercy towards political Hereticks. He was besides perswaded that I was
doubly criminal both as Traitor and Deserter-in short
so totally was IIe inebriated with this idea that I am
convinced He wou'd have thought himself both politically and morally damn'd had he acted any other part
than what He did-He is besides the most indolent of
Mortals, never took farther pains to examine the merits
or demerits of the Cause in which He was engaged
than merely to recollect that Great Britain was said to
be the Mother Country, George the Third King of
Great Britain, that the Parliament was call'd the representatives of G. Britain, that the King and Parliament form'd the Supreme Power, that a Supreme
Power is absolute and uncontrollable, that all resistance must consequently be rebellion, but above all that




398              THE LEE PAPERS.
He was a Soldier, and bound to obey in all cases whatsoever-these are his notions, and this his logic, but
through these absurdities I cou'd distinguish when He
was left to himself rays of Friendship and good nature
breaking out-it is true he was seldom left to himself,
for never poor Mortal thrust into high stations, was
surrounded by such fools and scoundrels-McKensey,
Balfour, Galoway were his Councillors-They urg'd
him to all his acts of harshness. They were his Scribes;
all the damn'd stuff which was issued to the astonish'd
World was theirs —I believe he scarcely ever read the
letters He sign'd-You will scarcely believe it, but I
can assure you as a fact, that He never read that curious proclamation issued at the head of Elk, till three
days after it was publish'd —You will say that I am
drawing my Friend Howe in more ridiculous colours
than Ile has yet been represent'd in-but this is his
real character — He is naturally good humnour'd and
complacent, but illiterate and indolent to the last degree
unless as.an executive Soldier, in which capacity He is
all fire and activity, brave and cool as Julius Caesarhis understanding is, as I observ'd before rather good
than otherwise, but was totally confounded. and stupefy'd by the immensity of the task impos'd upon him —
He shut his eyes, fought his battles, drank his bottle,
had his little Whore, advis'd with his Counsellors, receiv'd his orders from   North and Germain, one more
absurd than the other, took Galoways opinion, shut
his eyes, fought again, and is now I suppose to be call'd
to Account for acting according to instructions; but I
believe his eyes are now open'd. He sees that He has
been an instrument of wickedness and folly —indeed
when I observ'd it to him, He not only took patiently
the observation, but indirectly assented to the truth of
it —He made at the same time as far as his mnauvaise
honte wou'd permit an apology for his treatment of me
— Thus far with regard to Mr Howe —You are struck
with the great events, changes.and new characters which
have appear'd on the stage since I saw you last —but




THE LEE PAPERS.              399
I am  more struck with the admirable efficacy of
Blunder —it seem'd to be a tryal of skill which Party
shou'd outdoe the other, and it is hard to say which
play'd the deepest strokes —but it was a capital one of
ours which certainly gave the happy turn which affairs
have taken. Upon my Soul it was time for fortune to
interpose or We were inevitably lost-but this We will
talk over another time —I suppose we shall see one
another at Philadelphia very soon-en attendlant-God
bless you
Yours affectionately
C. LEE.
My love to Mrs Rush.
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Camp, June ye 15th 1778.
DfR GENERAL,
As your time must necessarily be taken up by more
and a greater variety of business than perhaps ever was
impos'd on the shoulders of any one Mortal, the most
clear simple and agreeable method of communicating
my sentiments on any matter of importance must certainly be throwing'em on paper —you will have more
leisure to weigh and consider the strength or weakness of
my arguments and I flatter myself that what I now or
I hope shall at any time, offer will not be imputed to
presumption impertinence or a spirit of criticism, but
to mily zeal for the public service. You will pardon me
then when I express freely my thoughts on the present
arrangement with respect to the command of the General Officers which I cannot help thinking not only extremely defective but that it may be productive of the
worst consequences. We are, it seems, to have the superintendence of one division in the present situation of
affairs (that is as long as We remain tranquil and undisturb'cl), but the instant our tranquility is distulrb'd




400              THE LrEE PAPERS.
and a movement is to be made We are to quit this division
and abruptly to take the command of another-by these
means We are put out of all possibility of becoming
acquainted with the names, faces and characters of the
officers who are to execute the orders We give, and the
Soldiers who are to look up to us in the hour of tryal
must be Strangers to our voices and persons. They cannot, consequently, have that confidence in us which is
so necessary and which habit and acquaintance usually inspire-indeed it appears to me not only repugnant
to the rules of war, but of common prudence to introduce, for the first time, a General to his officers and soldiers in the moment of attack. -I must intreat pardon,
therefore, in urging the expediency of affixing, without
loss of time, the respective Generals to the wings or
divisions which They are to command in real actions so
that the Commanders and Commanded may not fall
into the mistakes, blunders and distractions which otherwise from their being Strangers to each other must inevitably ensue.
Yesterday and the day before I had some conversation with Mr Budenot. He is from many circumstances fully persuaded that it is not the Enemy's intention
to pass through the Jerseys to N. York. I have myself
from the beginning been inclined to the same opinion.
and on the supposition that this is not their design We
ought to consider with ourselves what They most probably will do —my opinion is that (if they are in a capacity to act offensively) They will either immediately
from Philadelphia or by a feint in descending the River
as far as New Castle, and then, turning to the right
march directly and rapidly towards Lancaster, by which
means They will draw us out of our present position
and oblige us to fight on terms perhaps very disadvantageous or that They will leave Lancaster and this Army
wide on the right, endeavour to take Post on the lower
parts of the Susquehanna and by securing a communication with their Ships sent round into the Bay for
this purpose, be furnished with the means of encourag



THE LEE- PAPERS.             401
ing and feeding the Indian War broke out on- the
-Western Frontier-this last plan I mention as a possibility but as less probable than the former.
If they are not in a capacity to act offensively
but are still determined to keep footing on the continent, there are strong reasons to think that They will
not shut themselves up in Towns, but take possession of
some tract of Country which will afford'em elbow room
and sustenance and which is so situated as to be the
most effectually protected by their command of the
Waters-and I have particular reasons to think that
They have cast their eyes for this purpose, on the lower
Counties of Delawar and some of the Maryland Counties of the Eastern Shore, that They have had thoughts
of adopting this measure some time ago I learnt from
Mr Willin when They entertain'd an idea of offering
or assenting to, if proposed, a cessation of hostilitiesas to any apprehensions from the unwholesomeness of
the climate, they laugh at it —if They are resolved on
this plan it certainly will be very difficult to prevent'em or remove'em afterwards as their Shipping will
give'em such mighty advantages. Whether They do
or do not adopt any one of these plans there can no
inconvenience arise from  considering the subject, nor
from devising means of defeating their purposes on the
supposition that They will —in short I think it wou'd be
proper to put these queries to ourselves shou'd They
march directly towards Lancaster and the Susquehanna
or indirectly from  N. Castle, what are We to do? shou'd
They (tho' it is less probable) leave this Army and even
Lancaster wide on the right and endeavour to establish
themselves on the lower parts of the Susquehanna, what
are We to do? and shou'd they act only on the defensive
and attempt to secure to themselves some such tract of
country as I have mention'd what measures are we to
pursue?  these are matters I really think worthy of consideration. We have many and I believe able Field
Engineers in the camp or at York; why cannot They be
employ'd in same essentials in surveying well the CounVot. II. —26




402              THE LEE PAPERS.
try on both sides the Susquehanna-determining on the
most proper Fords for our army if on any occasion They
shou'd be oblig'd to ford it, in examining well all the
best positions which may be taken betwixt the head of
Elk and the Delawar, as, also, betwixt Philadelphia,
Wilmington and Lancaster-what use may be made of
Conestoga Creek if We are oblig'd to cover Lancaster
and (to extend their task further), how Baltimore may
be put in a more defensive state and what passes and defiles there are in one line of direction from Baltimore to
York and in another line from that part of the lower
Susquehanna where it is most probable the Enemy would
chuse for their landing place, to York-but I am swelling
out my paper to a most insufferable bulk —and intreat
Dr General that you will excuse not only it's length but
whatever You find illtimed or impertinent in the contents as I am, most sincerely and devotedly,
Yours
CHARLES LEE.
P. S.  Mr. Welford tells me that the officers at
Philadelphia publickly express their surprise at their
General's stupidity in not marching strait to Lancaster
which They say must indubitably force us out of our
present position, or cover us with disgrace by laying
waste the finest part of America under our noses-this
evidences still stronger the necessity of examining well
and immediately Conestoga Creek, where if I am not
mistaken, a fine position may be taken. He says their
Cavalry-now amounts to 2500 Men —that. the bulk of
their Force is still at Philadelphia.
FROMi GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Head Quarters, 15 June, 1778.
DEAR SIR,
I have received your letter of this date, and thank you,
as I shall any officer, over whom I have the honor to be




,THE LEE PAPERS.             403
placed, for his opinion and advice in matters of importance; especially when they proceed from the fountain
of candor, and not from a captious spirit, or an itch for
criticism.
No man can be more sensible of the defects of our
present arrangement, than I am; no man more sensible
of the advantage of having the commander and conmmanded of every corps well known to each other, and
the army properly organized. Heaven and my own
letters to Congress can witness, on the one hand, how
ardently I have labored to effect these points during
the past-winter and spring; the army. on the other,
bears witness to the effect. Suspended between the;old and new establishments, I could govern myself by
neither with propriety; and the hourly expectation of
a committee, for the purposes of reducing some regiments and changing the establishment of all, rendered.a mere temporary alteration unnecessary, which from
its uncertainty and shortness could effect no valuable
end. T~ hat I had a power to shift regiments and alter
*brigades every day, if I chose to -do it, I never entertained a doubt; but the, ctcacy of the measure I have
very much questioned, as frequent changes, without apparent causes, are rather ascribed to caprice and whim,
than to stability and judgment.
The mode of shifting the major-generals from the
command of a division, in the present tranquil state of
affairs, to a more important one in action and other
capital movements of the whole army, is not less disagreeable to my ideas, than repugnant to yours, but is
the result of necessity. For, having recommended to
Congress the appointment of Lieutenant Generals for
the discharge of the latter duties, and they having neither approved nor disapproved the measure, I am hung
in suspense; and being unwilling, on the one hand, to
give up the benefits resulting from the command of
lieutenant-generals in the cases above mentioned, or- to
deprive the divisions of their major-generals for ordinary duty on the other, I have been led to adopt a kind




404             MTlIE LEE PAPERS.
of medium course, which, though not perfect in itself,
is in my jtidgment the best that circumstances will
admit of, till Congress shall have decided upon the
proposition before them. Your remark upon the disadvantages of an officer's being suddenly removed from
the command of a division to a wing, though not
without foundation, as I have before acknowledged,
does not apply so forcibly in the ~present case, as you
seem to think. There is no major-general in this army,
that is not pretty well known, and who may not, if he
chooses, soon become acquainted with such officers as
may be serviceable to him. Their commands being
announced in general orders, and the army prepared
for their reception, a major-general may go with the
same ease to the command of a wing consistipg of five
brigades, as to a division composed of two, and will be
received with as- little confusion, since' the brigades
remain perfect and no changes have happened in them.
Mr Boudinot's conjecture of the enemy's intention,
although it does not coincide with mine, is nevertheless
worthy of attention; and the evils of the measure have
been guarded against, as far as it has been in my power,
by removing the stores and provisions as fast as
possible from the Head of Elk and the Susquehanna,
and by exploring the country, surveying the roads, and
marking the defiles and strong grounds; an engineer
and three surveyors have been employed in this work
nearly a month, though their report is not yet come in.
-Boats are also prepared on the Susquehanna for the
transportation of our troops, in case we should find it
necessary to move that way. But nevertheless it gives
me real pleasure  to  find you have turned your.
thoughts that way, and are revolving the questions
contained in your letter; and here let me again assure
you, that I shall be always happy in a free communication of your sentiments upon any important subject
relative to the service, and only beg that they may
come directly to myself. The custom, which many
officers have, of speaking freely of things and repro



THE LEE PAPERS.              405
bating measures, which upon investigation may be
found to be unavoidable, is never productive of good,
but often of very mischievous consequences.
I am, &c
GO WASHINGTON.
To Major General Charles Lee.
FROM GEORGE JOHNSON.
Philadelphia, June 17th, 1778.
DEAR SIR,
I heartily thank you for your letter, and regret that
I cannot have the pleasure of meeting you; the great
wish of my/life is to see peace between two countries Is
almost equally love, while it is a question whether this
or an inexterminable war is to take place. I meant in
words I had learnt from you, to set before you the
many and mutual advantages both would derive from
an agreement; and as the terms now offered are more
for the interest of your favorite America than you ever
hoped to obtain, I should have made no scruple to ask
your good offices, and to engage my own, to remove
any obstacles that might obstruct the peace.
I should think it a greater honor to contribute in
the smallest degree to this, than to have the greatest
share in bringing about victory: these, to a thinking
man like you, who has many friends on both sides, subject him to a double regret.
]I may not find another occasion of meeting you
easily, but I would travel far to have the pleasure of
embracing you, as a fellow subject of the same empire,
and a friend. You will see by some speeches in the
House of Commons, that others whom you value have
the'- same wish. A celebrated poem, just published,
says,
"By virtue, captive Lee is doubly blest."
A pamphlet wrote by Governor Johnstone's brother




406             THE LEE PAPERS.
is much applauded by the nation, where a spirit pre:
vails like that between tender relations who are more
disposed to love and respect, after a quarrel has convinced both of the advantage and value of friendship.
I send you the pamphlet,
You do Sir H. Clinton great justice in believing
him incapable of an inhuman or illiberal measure; you
may, with great confidence,' assert, that he had no share
in the havock you say has embittered people's minds
to a degree of madness. Your letter to me is the only
notice he has, of the burnings you mention. If any
other houses besides magazines were destroyed, it must
have been by the wantonness of Soldiers; as the officer
who formed the plan for destroying the preparations
for the invasion of the island, confined it to this object.
The destruction of houses was no part of his project;
otherwise he would have mentioned the success of it,'
which he has not done. I will deliver the messages
you give me, and will ever seek every occasion to shew
that I am with regard,
Dear Sir,
Your most affectionate friend
and humble Servant
GEO. JOHNSON.
P. S. Sir Henry Clinton bids me thank you for your
letter, and charges me to enclose one he has received
for you, from England.
Major Gen. Lee.
FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Head-Quarters, 30 May, 1778.
SIR,
Poor's, Varnumn's, and Huntington's brigades are to
march in one division under your command to the North
River. The quartermaster-general will give you the




,THE. LEE PAPERS.            407
route, encampment, and halting days, to which you will
conform as strictly as possible, to prevent interfering
with other troops, and that I may know precisely your
situation every day. Leave as few sick and lame on
the road as possible. Such as are absolutely incapable
of marching with you are to be.committed; to the care
of proper officers, with directions to follow as fast as
their condition will allow.
Be strict in your discipline, suffer, no rambling, keep
the men in their ranks and the officers with their divisions,
avoid pressing horses as much as possible, and punish
severely every officer or soldier, who shall presume to
press without proper authority. Prohibit the burning
of fences. In a word you are to protect the persons
and property of the inhabitants from every kind of insult and abuse.
Begin your march at four o'clock in the morning at
the latest, that it may be over before the heat of the
day, and that the soldiers may have time to cook, refresh, and prepare for the ensuing day-I am &c.
G~' WASHINGTON.
P. S. June 18th.-The foregoing instructions may
serve you for general directions, but circumstances have
varied since they were written. You are to halt on the
first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryell's Ferry, till further orders, unless you should receive
authentic intelligence, that the enemy have proceeded
by a direct route to South Amboy, or still lower. In
this case you will continue your march to the North
River, agreeably to former orders, and by the route
already given you. If my memory does not deceive
me, there is an advantageous spot of ground at the ferry
to the right of the road leading from the water.




408              THE LEE PAPERS.
ORDER OF MARCH AND ROUTE OF THE ARMY rROM CAIP
VALLEY: FORGE TO NEWBURG ON THE NORTH RIVER
OPPOSITE FISHKILL.
Poor        )
Varnum  1    a    Lee            Coryells
Huntington
1st Pennsa
2d Ditto     2n     Mifflin      Sherard
late Conway
Woodford
Scott        3d     Marquis      Coryells
No. Carolina
Glover      )
Patterson    4      deKalb       Easton
Learned 
Weedon      )
Muhlenberg 
i' MarylId bg    Stirling        Coryells
2d Ditto    9
The Detachmt under Col~ Jackson to move to and
take possession of Philadelphia and prevent plundering
& any abuse of Persons. Van Scoicks Regiment to
replace the 8th Pennsylvania Regt in the Pennsylvania
Brigade-The 2d State Regmt of Virginia to replace the
13th Regiment in Scott's Brigade-Park of Artillery to
be attached to the Several Divisions Equally and march
with them.
The 1st and 2d Divisions to move the morning after
Intelligence is received of the Enemy's Evacuation of
the City.
The 3rd & 4th Divisions the morning after these, &
the 5th Division the morning succeeding-every day's
march to begin at 4 o'clock, A.M. at furthest.
G~. WASHINGTON.




THE LEE PAPERS.                  409
1st 3rd & 5th Divisions by Coryell's Ferry & thro the
Clove by Smiths.
To Coryell's & Cross............. 3 Days
Halt............................  1
White House..................... 1
3 miles beyond the Cross Roads..... 1
4  do  beyond Morristown......... 1
Halt..1............... 1
Pompton Bridge......1.......... 
Sufferans........................ 1
near Smith's Tavern............... 1
Halt if necessary............. 1
Newborough.................... 1
13
2d Division by Sherard's Ferry and Sussex Court House.
To Sherard's Ferry and Cross...... 3
Halt............................    1
Union Iron Works............  1
Halket's Town.............. 1
Sussex Court House............. 1
Halt............................  1
4 M. beyond Col. Martins.......... 1
Warwick................. 1
5 M. beyond Chester........... 1
Halt if necessary............... 1
Newborough.............. 1
13
4th Division by Easton & Sussex Court House
To Easton................. 3
Halt............                      1
Crossing.........................1
6 miles beyond Carrs............ 1
Sussex Court House............. 1
Halt............................   1
Then as in 2d Division..               0
-13
Regard to be had to the convenience of Water as
well as Distance.




410             TIIE LEE PAPERS.
ORDERS RELATIVE TO THE MARCH FROM VALLEY FORGE
JUNE 1778, AFTER GEN. LEE'S AND GEN. MIFFLIN' S
DIVISNS HAD MARCHED.
The Army is to March- to Morrow & till further
Orders in the following Order.
The MarqUis De La)  Woodford's
Fyatte is to lead  Scott's... Brigades.
with            ) North Carolina
The Baron de: Kalb) Glovers
next wih         Pattearsons    Brigades
next with
) Learneds
The Artillery Park and spare Ammunition.
Weedons
Muhlenbergs
Lord Sterling with   1. Maryland 
-2d Maryland
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be
as follows:'The Commander in Chief's Baggage is to march in
the front of the column of Waggons-The Adjutant General's, Paymaster Generals -Engineers Muster Master
General Auditor of Accounts The Baggage of the Marquis de la Fyattes De Kalbs Division the Baggage of
Lord Stirlings Division..& then the Waggons of the
Quarter Master General's.department,Flying Hospital &
lastly the Cormy & Forage Master General's WaggonsThe whole Baggageto fall in the Rear of the Column
of Troops. The Genl officers commanding the Grand
Divisions to appoint such guards upon the.baggage as
shall be necessary for the Security thereof-They will
also, appoint a party of Pioneers to move in front of
the Columns, to assist the Artificers in repairing Bridges
and bad places in the roads.




TaE LEE PAPERS.            411.
There will be a party of Artificers to go in front &
rear of the whole, to mend Bridges and repair the
Broken Carriages; which will take their Orders from
the Q. M. Genl.
The sub Inspectors are to assist the Quarter Master
General in regulating the order of March, encampment
and planting of Guards.& to accompany and follow his
Directions accordingly.
G~ WASHINGTON.
Note, the Light Horse is to March in front and upon
the Right flank a days and encamp in the Rear of the
Troops o Nights.
The new guards will form the advanced guards of
the army and the old guards the rear guard. Each
regiment will send out a flank guard on the right flank
in the proportion of a serjeant and 12 men to every 200
men.
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Camp, June ye 22d [1778.]
DR GENERAL,
About eleven miles from Head Quarters and eight
miles from this Camp is a most admirable position for
the whole Army either in two or one line —it's left is
cover'd by Stony Brook it's front Clear, excepting to
the front of the right where is a strong wood and mill
dam where it will be proper to throw a Brigade-a
strong Brigade or two shou'd occupy likewise a Wood
on the right —it's situation is high and commandingthe ground dry and good —it is well watered having
besides Stoney Brook on the left-a large Rivulet in
the front —another in the rear-it commands likewise
both the roads to Princeton that by Pennyton and that
inclining to Hopewell meeting house.
I am Dr Sir, Yours,
C. LEE.




4192            THE LEE PAPERS.
Wou'd it not be proper to hint your intention to
Govr Livingston-his letter which Colonel Scammiel
will deliver to you shews the necessity.
His Excellency General Washington.
FROM Gov. WILLIAM LIVINGSTON.
Princeton, 22d June, 1778.
DEAR GENERAL
Last night I had from General Dickinson the following account-That he had been below and was just
returned, that is to Bordentown. That the Enemy
had made no movements yesterday except bringing up
their rear which was the cause he believes of their
halting at Holley. That they were expected to march
early this morning-That he had three detachments of
Militia on their lines who were briskly engaged in obstructing the different roads, & will be prepared to
skirmish when they advance & that the Enemy had
lost near 500 men by desertion since they left Philadelphia.
I do not see upon what principles we retard their
progress except that of the grand army engaging them
-If that is not in contemplation, I think for the good
they do, we ought rather to hang on their rear, & drive
the rascals thro' the State as soon as possible.
Believe me to be with great respect
Your most humble Sert
WIL: LIVINGSToN.
Major General Lee.




THE LEE -PAPERS.            413
DISPOSITION OF THE MILITIA BELONGING TO THE STATE
OF NEW JERSEY, MADE BY MAJOR GENL. DICKINSON,
VIZT
Head Quarters, Chamber's Tavern
June 25, 1778.
Colonels Furman, Haight & Holmes, with their respective Battalions, are ordered to gain the Enemies
Right Flank & join Col. Morgan's detachment, who
are to annoy the Enemy in that Quarter as much as in
their power. They will consist of 3 Col —1 Lt. Col —3
Maj —7 Cap —15 Subs 13 Serj —12 Corp —163 Priv.
Colonels Neilson & Webster with their Battalions
will take post in Front of the Enemy, throw every
possible obstruction in their Rout, impede their march
& harass them, whenever opportunity present. This
Detachment will consist of 2 Col-1 Lt Col-1 Maj6 Capt. —16 Subs —19 Serj'ts —13 CoFps —218 Privates.
Capt. Lane & 25 of his Company of axmen to
attend Col. Neilson.
Col. Scudder with his Battalion will join Brig'r
Gen' Scott on the left flank of the Enemy consisting of
150 Privates.
The whole of the remaining Militia, are to be
equally divided & to do duty on the lines alternately,
Officers as well as privates.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL LAFAYETTE.
Instructions.
SIR,
You are immediately to proceed with the detachment commanded by General Poor, and form a junction,
as expeditiously as ppssible, with that under command
of General Scott. You are to use the most effectual




414              tTHE LEE PAPERS.
means for gaining the enemy's left flank and rear, and
giving them every degree of annoyance. All continental parties that are already on the lines, will be under
your command, and you will take such measures, in concert with General Dickinson, as will cause the enemy
the greatest impediment and loss in their march. For
these purposes you will attack them as occasion may
require, by detachment, and if a proper opening should
be given, by operating against them with the whole
force of your command. You will naturally take such
precautions as will secure you against surprise, and
maintain your communication with this army.
Given at Kingston, this 25th day of June, 1778.
G~ WASHINGTON.
GENERAL LAFAYETTE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Cranberry, half-past nine o'clock,
[25th] June 1778.
DEAR GENERAL,
Inclosed I have the honor to send you a letter which
Colonel Hamilton was going to send me from this place
when I arrived with the detachment, and which may
give you an idea of the position of the enemy. I will
try to meet and collect as soon as possible our forces,
tho' I aml sorry to find. the enemy so far down that
way. We will be obliged to march pretty fast, if we
want to attack them. It is for that I am particularly
concerned about provisions. I send back immediately
for the purpose, and beg you would give orders to have
them forwarded as speedily as possible, ancl-directed to
march fast, for I believe we must set out early to-morrow morning. The detachment is in a wood, covered
by Cranberry Creek, and I believe extremely safe.
EWe want to be very well furnished with spirits as a
long and quick march may be found necessary, and if




THE LEE PAPERS.             415
Gen. Scott's detachment is not provided, it should be
furnished also with liquor; but the provisions of this
detachment are the most necessary to be sent as soon as
possible, as we expect them to march.
If anything new comes to my knowledge, T will
immediately write to your Excellency, and I will send
an express in the morning.
I have the honor to be, &?
LAFAYETTE.
I wish also we could get some axes, but it'should
not st)p the so important affairs of provisions.
COLONEL HAMILTON TO GENERAL LAFAYETTE.
25 June, 1778.
SIR,
We find, on our arrival here that the intelligence
received on the road is true. The enemy have all. filed
off from Allen Town, on the Monmouth Road. Their
rear is said to be a mile westward of Lawrence Taylor's
tavern, six miles from Allen Town. General Maxwell
is at Hyde's Town, about three miles from this place.
General Dickinson is said to be on the enemly's right
flank; but where, cannot be told. We can hear nothing
certain of General Scott; but, from circumstances he is
probably at Allen Town. We shall, agreeably to your request, consider and appoint some proper place of rendez.
vous for the union of our force, which we shall communicate to Generals Maxwell and Scott, and to yourself.
In the meantime I would recommend to you to move
toward this place as soon as the convenience of your
men will permit. I am told that Colonel Morgan is on
the enemy's right flank. We had a slight skirmish
with their rear this forenoon, at Robert Montgomery's,
on the Monmouth Road, leading from Allen Town.
We shall see General Maxwell immediately, and you




416              THE LEE P:APERS.
will hear from us again. Send this to the General
after reading it.
I am your ob't Serv't
ALEX. HAMILTON.
Doctor Stile's House, Cranberry Town
9 o'clock.
We are just informed that General Scott passed by
Hooper's tavern, five miles from  Allen Town, this
afternoon at five o'clock.
M. De Lafayette.
COLONEL HAMILTON TO GENERAL SCOTT.
This part of the troops marches instantly-We are
to join in the Monmouth road one mile this side of Taylor's Tavern. You will govern yourself accordingly.
If you can find Morgan let him be desired again to
keep close to the enemy and attack when we attack.
I am Sir, Yr Obed Serv
ALEX HAMILTON
Aide J)e Camp
You will endeavour to keep up a communication of
intelligence.
GENERAL LAFAYETTE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
At Cranberry, 5 o'clock, June [26th] 1778.
DEAR GENERAL,
I have received your orders for marching as just as
I could and I have marched without waiting for the
provisions tho' we want them extremely. Gen. Forman:and Col. Hamilton sat out last night to meet the other




THE LEE PAPERS.             417
troops and we shall be together at Hidestown or somewhat lower. Gen. Forman is firmly of opinion that we
may overtake the enemy, for my part I am not so
quiet upon the subject as he is, but his sentiment is of
great weight on account of his knowledge of the country. It is highly pleasant to me to be followed and
countenanced by the army that if we stop the enemy
and meet with some advantage they may push it with
vigor. I have no doubt but if'we overtake them we
possess a very happy chance. However, I would not
have the army quite so near as not to be quite master
of its motions, but a very little distance may do it. I
have heard nothing of the enemy this morning. An
officer of militia says, that after they had pitched their
tents yesterday night, they struck them again. But I
am inclined to believe they did not go farther, and that
the man who brought the intelligence was mistaken. I
expect some at Hidestown which I will immediately
forward to you. I beg when' your Excellency will
write to me, that you could let me know the place you
have reached, that I might govern myself accordingly.
With the highest respect I have the honor to be, d&.
LAFAYETTE.
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Camp, at Kingston, 25 June, 1 778.
DEAR GENERAL,
When I first assented to the Marquis de Lafayette's
taking the command of the present detachment, I confess I viewed it in a very different light from that in
which I view it at present. I considered it as a more
proper business of a young, volunteering general, than
of the second in command in the army; but I find. it is
considered in a different manner. They say that a
corps consisting of six thousand men, the greater part
chosen, is undoubtedly the most honorable command
next to the Comxmander-in.chief; that my ceding it
VOL. II. 27




418             THE LEE PAPERS.
would of course have an odd appearance. I must
entreat, therefore, after making a thousand apologies
for the trouble my rash assent has occasioned you, that,
if this detachment does march, I may have the command of it. So far personally; but, to speak as an
officer, I do not think that this detachment ought to
march at all, until at least the head of the enemy's
right column has passed Cranberry; then, if it is necessary to march the whole army, I cannot see any impropriety in the Marquis's commanding this detachment,
or a greater, as an advanced. guard of the army; but if
this. detachment, with Maxwell's corps, Scott's, Morgan's, and Jackson's, is to be considered as a separate,
chosen, active corps, and put under the Marquis's command until the enemy leave the Jerseys, both myself
and Lord Stirling will be disgraced.
I am, dear General, Yours, &~
CHARLES LEE.
GENERAL LAFAYETTE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
[Hightstown] 26th June, 1778,
at a quarter after Seven.
DEAR GENERAL,
I hope you have received my letter from Cranberry,
where I acquaint you that I am going to Hight's Town,
though we are short of provisions. When I got there,
I was sorry to hear that Mr. Hamilton, who had been
riding all the night, had not been able to find anybody
who could give him certain intelligence; but by a party
who came back, I hear the enemy are in motion, and
their rear about one mile off the place they had occupied last night, which is seven or eight miles from here.
I immediately put Generals Maxwell and Wayne's brigades in motion, and I will fall lower down, with General Scott's, with Jackson's regiment, and some militia.
I should be very happy if we could attack them before
they halt, for I have no notion of taking one other




THE LEE PAPERS.             419
moment but this of the march. If I cannot overtake
them, we could lay at some distance, and attack tomorrow morning, provided they don't escape in the night,
which I much fear, as our intelligences are not the best
ones. I have sent some parties out, and I will get some
more light by them.
I fancy your excellency will move down with the
army, and if we are at a convenient distance from you,
I have nothing to fear in striking a blow if opportunity
is offered. I believe that, in our present strength, provided they do not escape, we may do something.
General Forman says that, on account of the nature
of the country, it is impossible for me to be turned by
the right or left, but that I shall not quite depend upon.
An officer, just from the lines, confirms the account
of the enemy moving. An intelligence from General
Dickinson says that they hear a very heavy fire in the
front of the enemy's column. I apprehend it is Morgan, who had not received my letter, but it will have
the good effect of stopping them, and if we attack, he
may begin again.
Sir, I want to repeat you, in writing, what I have
told to you, which is, that, if you believe it, or if it is
believed necessary or useful to the good of the service
and the honour of General Lee, to send him down with
a couple of thousand men, or any greater force; I will
cheerfully obey and serve him, not only out of duty,
but out of what I owe to that gentleman's character.
I hope to receive soon' your orders as to what I am
to do this day or to-morrow, to know where you are
and what you intend, and would be very happy to furnish you with the opportunity of completing some little
advantage of ours.
LAFAYETTE.
P. S. The road I understand the enemy are moving
by is the straight road to Monmouth.




420              THE LEE PAPERS.
COLONEL HAMILTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Robins's Tavern, 8 miles from Allen Town,
12 o'clock, June 26, 1778.
SIR:
We have halted the troops at this place. The
enemy, by our last reports, were four miles from this
(that is, their rear), and had passed the road which
turns off toward South Ainboy, which determines their
route toward Shrewsbury.  Our reason for halting, is
the extreme distress of the troops for want of provisions. General Wayne's detachment is almost starving,
and seems both unwilling and unable to march further
till they are supplied. If we do not receive an immediate supply, the whole purpose of our detachment
must be frustrated.
This morning we missed doing anything, from  a,
deficiency of intelligence. On my arrival at Cranberry
yester-evening, I proceeded by desire of the Marquis,
imniediately to Hightstown and Allen Town, to take
measures for co-operating with the different parts of
the detachment, and to find what was doing to procure
intelligence. I found every precaution was neglected;
no horse was near the enemy, or could be heard of till
late in the morning, so that before we could send out
parties and get the necessary information, they were in
full march, and as they have marched pretty expeditiously we should not be able to come up with them
during the march of the day, if we did not suffer the
impediment we do, on the score of provisions. We are
entirely at a loss where the army is, which is no inconsiderable check to our enterprize. If the army is
wholly out of supporting distance, we risk the total
loss of the detachment in making an attack.
If the army will countenance us, we may do some.
thing clever. We feel our personal honor, as well as
the honor of the army, and the good of the service, interested; and are heartily desirous to attempt what



THE LEE PAPERS.              421
ever the disposition of our men will second, and prudence authorize.  It is evident the) enemy wish to
avoid, not to engage us.
Desertions, I imagine, have been pretty considerable today. I have seen eight or ten deserters, and
have heard of many more. We have had some little
skirmishing by detached parties: one attacked their
rear guard with a degree of success, killed a few, and
took seven prisoners.
I am with great respect and regard, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
A. HAMILTON.
His Excellency General Washington.
P. S. The Marquis and General Dickinson send
their compliments   My writing renders theirs unnecessary.
An officer just comes in, who informs us that he
left the enemy's rear five miles off, still in march, about
half an hour ago. To ascertain still more fully their
route, I have ordered a fresh party on their left, toward
the head of their column. They have three brigades
in rear of their baggage.
FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Cranberry, 26 June, 1778.
DEAR SIR,
Your uneasiness on account of the command of
yesterday's detachment fills me with concern, as it is
not in my power fully to remove it without wounding
the feelings of the Marquis de Lafayette. I'have
thought of an expedient, which though not quite equal
to the views of either of you, may in some measure
answer both; and that is, to make another detachment
from  this army for the purpose of aiding and sup



422.             THE L'EE PAPERS.
porting the several detachments now under the command of the Marquis, and giving you the command of
the w'hole, under certain restrictions; which the circumstances arising from your own conduct yesterday
render almost unavoidable.
The expedient I would propose, is for you to march
towards the Marquis with Scott's and Varnum's bri.
gades. Give him notice, that you are advancing to
support him, and that you are to have command of the
whole advanced body; but, as he may have formed
some enterprise with the advice of the officers commanding the several corps under his.command, which
will not admit of delay or alteration, you will give him
every assistance and countenance in your power. This,
as I observed before, is not. quite the thing; but may
possibly answer, in some degree, the views of both.
That it may do so, and the public service receive benefit from the measure, is the sincere wish of, dear Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
G~ WASIINGTON.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL LAFAYETTE.
Cranberry, 26th June 1778.
MY DEAR MARQUIS,
General Lee's uneasiness, on account of yesterday's
transaction, rather increasing than abating, and your
politeness in wishing to ease him of it, have induced
me, to detach him from this army with a part of it, to
reinforce, or at least cover, the several detachments at
present uifder your command. fAt the same time, that
I felt for General Lee's distress of mind, I have had an
eye to your wishes and the delicacy of your situation;
and have, therefore, obtained a promise from him, that
when he gives you notice of his approach and command,
he will request you to prosecute any plan you may
have already concerted for the purpose of attacking, or
otherwise annoying the enemy; this is the only expe



THE LEE PAPERS.             423
dient I could think of to answer the views of both.
General Lee seems satisfied with the measure, and I
wish it may prove agreeable to you, as I am with the
warmest wishes for your honour and glory, and with
the sincerest esteem and affection. Yours, &c
GO YVASHINGTON.
GENERAL LAFAYETTE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
At Robins's Tavern, half past four,
26 June, 1778.
DEAR GEN ERAL,I have received your excellency's'favor notifying
your arrival at Cranberry, and am glad to have anticipated your orders in not going too far. I have felt the
unhappy effects of the want of provisions, for I dare
say if we had not been stopped by it, as we were already within three miles of the enemy's rear, we would
very easily have overtaken them and fought with advantage.
I have consulted the general officers of the detachment, and the general opinions seems to be that I
should march in the night near them, so as to attack
the rear guard when on the march.  We have also
spoken of a night attack. The latter seems dangerous.
The former will perhaps give them time of escaping, as
it is impossible I would move quite close by them, at
least nearer than three miles.-Col. Morgan is towards
the right flank, Gen. Dickinson is a little upon the left,
Gens. Scott and Maxwell have insisted upon going further down than we are now; for Wayne's and Jackson's
corps they have not had provisions at all but will be
able to march in the night. I beg you would let me
know your intention and your opinion of the matter,
my motions depend much upon what the army will do
for countenancing them.  I beg you would be very
particular upon what you think proper to be done and
what your excellency will do.  I wish indeed you




424              THE LEE PAPERS.
would anticipate the different cases which may happen
according to the place where the enemy lays-Gen.
Wayne, Col. Hamilton and several officers have gone to
reconnoitre it. I fancy they will lay about seven or
eight miles from here. Your Excellency knows that
by the direct road you are only three miles further from
Monmouth than we are in this place.
The enemy is said to march since this morning, with
a great confusion and fright.  Some prisoners have
been made, and deserters come amazingly fast. I believe an happy blow would have the happiest effect,
and I always regret the time we have lost by want of
provisions.
I beg you would answer to me immediately, and
with the highest respect I have the honor to be &c
LAFAYETTE.
COLONEL HAMILTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
[June 26th, 1778, Evening.]
SIR:
The result of what I have seen and heard, concerning the enemy, is, that they have encamped with their
van a little beyond Monmouth Court House, and their
rear at Manalapan's river, about seven miles from this
place. Their march to day has been very judiciously
conducted; —their baggage in front, and their flying
army in the rear, with a rear guard of one thousand men about four hundred paces from the main
body. To attack them in this situation, without being
supported by the whole army, would be folly in the
extreme. If it should be thought advisable to give the
necessary support, the army can move to some position
near the enemy's left flank, which would put them in a
very awkward situation, with so respectable a body in
their rear; and it-would put it out of their power to
turn either flank, should they be so disposed. Their
left is strongly posted, and I am told their right also.




THE LEE PAPERS.             425
By some accounts, one part of their army lies on the
road leading from the Monmouth road to South Amlboy.
It is not improbable that South Amboy may be the
obj ect.
I had written thus far when your letter to the
Marquis arrived. This puts the matter on a totally
different footing. The detachment will march to-morrow morning at three o'clock to English Town.
I am with great regard and esteem,
Your obedient Servant,
A. HAMILTON.
His Excellency Gen. Washington.
GENERAL LAFAYETTE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Half past ten, [P. M. 26th] June, 1778.
DEAR GENERAL,
Your orders have reached me so late and found me
in such a situation that it will be impossible to follow
them as soon as I could wish. It is not on account of
any other motive than the impossibility of moving
the troops and making such a march immediately, for
in receiving your letter I have given up the project of
attacking the enemy, and I only wish to join Gen. Lee
-I was even going to set out, but all the Brigadiers,
Officers, &c. have represented that there was a material
impossibility of moving troops in the situation where
ours- find themselves-I do not believe Gen. Lee is to
make any attack to-morrow, for then I would have
been directed to fall immediately upon them, without
making 11 miles entirely out of the way. I am here
as near as I will be at English Town. To morrow at
two o'clock I will set off for that place.
I do not know if Morgan's corps, the militia, &c.
must be brought along with the other part of the detachment. Gen. Forman who don't approve much of
that motion, says that our right flank must be secured,




4266             THE LEE PAPERS.
unless to incur the most fatal consequences for the
whole army.
I beg your pardon Sir, if my letter is so badly
written, but I want to send it soon and to, rest one or
two hours.
I have the honor to be, &c.
LAFAYETTE.
Be so good as to send a speedy answer of what you
think proper to order me.
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Near Englishtown June ye 27th 7 o'clock.
DR GENERAL
I did not receive your order to halt until the head
of the Detachment was within a mile of English Town
Creek —I immediately halted on the receipt-indeed it
was not my intention to proceed further than the first
brook or water-I have taken a tolerable strong Post
in the wood where I shall wait for further orders-unless the expediency of making some movement is so
forcible as to oblige me-the enemy certainly lay at
Monmouth, last night-at least the rear of'em, but
whether They mov'd or no this morning is uncertain.
The People here are inconceivably stupid. I have sent
two lively young footmen (for they have no horses) to
reconnoitre.
I am Dr Sir, YoursC. LEE.
P. S. I wish Your Excellcy woud order me some
axes-a little spirits for the men and two or three (if
they can be spared) active well mounted light Horsemen.
His Excellency General Washington.




THE LEE PAPERS.             427
G:ENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Englishtown six miles from Monmouth,
June 28, 1778, half after 11 A.M.
SIR,
I was duly honored with your favor of the 20th inst,
with the report to which it referred, and trust my situation will apologize for my not answering it before.
I am now here with the main body of the army and
pressing hard to come up with the enemy. They encamped yesterday at Monmouth Court House having
almost the whole of their front, particularly their left
wing, secured by a marsh and thick wood and their
rear by a very difficult defile, from whence they moved
very early this morning. Our advance, from the rainy
weather, and the intense heat when it was fair (though
these have been equally disadvantageous to them) has
been greatly delayed. Several of our men have fallen
sick from these causes, and a few unfortunately have
fainted and died in a little time after. We have a
select and strong detachment more forward, under the
command of Maj. Gen. Lee, with orders to attack
their rear, if possible. Whether the detachment be
able to come up with it is a matter of a question,
especially, before they get into strong grounds. Besides this Morgan with his corps and some bodies of
militia are on their flanks. I cannot determine yet at
what place they intend to embark-some think they
will push for Sandy Hook, whilst others suppose they
mean to go to Shoal Harbor. The latter opinion
seems to be founded in the greater probability, as from
intelligence several vessels and crafts are lying off that
place. We have made a few prisoners, and they have
lost a good many men by desertion-I cannot ascertain
their numbers, as they came into our advanced parties
and pushed immediately into the country I think five




428              THEr LEE PAPERS.
or six hundred is the least number that have come in
the whole-they are chiefly foreigners.
I have the honor-to be with great respect
Sir, your most obt. servant
G~ WASHINGTON
The Hon. Henry Laurens, Esq.
President of Congress.
GENERAL WASIHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Fields near Monmouth Ct House,
June 29th 17s8.
SIR,
I have the honor to inform you that about seven
o'clock on yesterday morning both armies advanced
on each other. About 12 oclock they met on the
grounds near Monmouth Court House, when an action
commenced we forced the enemy from the field andencamped on the ground. They took a strong post
on our front, secured on both flanks by morasses and
thick woods, where they remained till about 12 at
night and then retreated. I cannot at this time go into
a detail of matters; when opportunity will permit I
shall take the liberty of transmitting to Congress a more
particular account of the proceedings of the Day.
I have the honor to be. with gt respt
Sir, your most obt. servt
GO WASHINGTON
To Hon. Henry Laurens Esq.
&c. &c.




THE LEE PAPERS.             42 9
ROBERT TROUP TO CHIEF JUSTICE JAY.
Peekskill, June 29, 1778
2 after 9 oclock P.M.
MY DEAR SIR
By a letter received a few hours ago from Major
Armstrong, we learn that our army were the night
before last at English town, in New Jersey between six
and seven miles from Monmouth Court House, where
the main Body of the Enemy were posted-that they
were marching, it is presumed in order to cut off their
Communichtion entirely with South Amboy, & the
other possible places of Emnbarcation-That Gen Lee
Commanded 4,)000 men which were constantly harassing their Flanks-that the militia of N. Jersey were in.
the highest spirits, and almost to a man in arms-That
500 British & German Soldiers had deserted, & more
were hourly coming.'
We shall move at 2 oclock in the morning for the
White Plains —Our object is to make a shew of attacking N. York to prevent their throwing a force into N.
Jersey to operate in favour of Sir Henry Clinton. We
have a pretty respectable army.
I am sorry that we can't grant Miss Bayard's Requests, and the more so because you have applied for
her. But my dear Sir, we shall be' Putnamized, to all
Intents and Purposes, if we suffer any person to go into
New York. This consideration induced me to prevail
upon the General, to shut the Door, immediately after
I left you at Fishkill. I do not think that a single
Flag will be granted, during the whole Campaign,
unless for Public Purposes.
When I receive any further Intelligence that may be
depended upon I shall communicate it to you without
delay.
My best Respects to all my Friends at Poughkeepsie
In the greatest hurry,
I am, My Dear Sir, Your obliged Humble Ser.
ROB. TROUP.
Hon. Judge Jay.




43(0             THE LEE PAPERS.
[To RICHARD HENRY LEE.]
Englishtown, June 28th [29th,] 1778.
-Xx  What the devil brought us into this level
country (the very element of the enemy) or what interest we can have (in our present circumstances) to
hazard an action, somebody else must tell you, for I
cannot. I was yesterday ordered (for it was against
my opinion and inclination) to engage. I did, with my
division, which consisted of about four thousand men.
The troops, both men and officers, showed the greatest
vflour: the artillery did wonders; but we were outnumbered; particularly in cavalry, which was, at twenty
different times, on the point of turning completely our
flanks. This consideration naturally obliged us to retreat; but the retreat did us, I will venture to say, great
honour. It was performed with all the order and coolness which can be seen on a common field day. Not a
man or officer hastened his step, but one regiment regularly filed off from the front to the rear of the other.
The thanks I received from his Excellency were of a
singular nature. I can demonstrate that had I not
acted as I did, this army, and perhaps America, would
have been ruined. *  *
COLONEL JOHN LAIJRENS TO. HENRY LAURENS.
Head Quarters, English Town, 30th June, 1778.
MY DEAR FATHER:
I was exceedingly chagrined that public business
prevented my writing to you from the field of battle,
when the General sent his dispatches to Congress. The
delay, however, will be attended with this advantage,
that I shall be better able to give you an account of




TIHE LEE PAPERS.             431
the enemy's loss; tho' I must now content myself with
a very succinct relation of this affair. The situation of
the two armies on Sunday was as follows: Gen' Washington, with the main body of our army, was at 4 miles
distance from English Town. Gen' Lee, with a chosen
advanced corps, was at that town. The enemy were
retreating down the road which leads to Middle Town;
their flying army composed (as it was said), of 2 battalions of British grenadiers, 1 Hessian grendrs, 1 battalion of light infantry, 1 regiment of guards, 2 brigades
of foot, 1 regt of dragoons and a number of mounted
and dismounted Jagers. The enemy's rear was preparing to leave Monmouth village, which is 6 miles from
this place, when our advanced corps was marching
towards them. The militia of the country kept up a
random running fire with the Hessian Jagers; no mischief was done on either side. I was with a small
party of horse, reconnoitring the enemy, in an open
space before Monmouth, when I perceived two parties
of the enemy advancing by files in the woods on our
right and left, with a view as I imagined, of enveloping
our snall party or preparing a way for a skirmish of
their horse. I immediately wrote an account of what
I had seen to the General, and expressed my anxiety
on account of the languid appearance of the continental
troops under Gen' Lee.
Some person in the meantime reported to Gen' Lee
that the enemy were advancing upon us in two columns,
and. I was informed that he had, in consequence, ordered Varnum's brigade, which was in front, to repass a
bridge which it had passed. I went myself, and assured him of the real state of the case; his reply to me
was, that his accounts had been so contradictory, that
he was utterly at a loss what part to take. I repeated
my account to him in positive distinct terms, and returned to make farther discoveries. I found that the
two parties had been withdrawn from the wood, and
that the enemy were preparing to leave Monmouth. I
wrote a second time to Genl Washington. Genl Lee at




432              THE LEE PAPERS.
length gave orders to advance. The enemy were forming themselves on the -Middle Town road, with their
light infantry in front, and cavalry on the left flank,
while a scattering, distant fire was commenced between
our flanking parties and theirs. \ I was impatient and
uneasy at seeing that no disposition was made, and endeavored to find out Gen' Lee to inform him of what
was doing, and know what was his disposition. He
told me that he was going to order some troops to
march below the enemy and cut off their retreat. Two
pieces of artillery were posted on our right'without a
single foot soldier to support them.. Our men were
formed piecemeal in front of the enemy, and there appeared to be no general plan or disposition calculated
on that of the enemy; the nature of the ground, or any
of the other principles which generally govern in these
cases.
The enemy began a cannonade from two parts of
their line; their whole body of horse made a furious
charge upon a small party of our cavalry and dissipated them, and drove them till the appearance of
our infantry and a judicious discharge or two of artillery made them retire precipitately.  Three regiments
of ours that had advanced in a plain open country
towards the enemy's left flank, were ordered by Gen'
Lee to retire and occupy the village of Monmouth.
They were no sooner formed there, than they were ordered to quit that post and gain the woods. One order
succeeded another with a rapidity and indecision calculated to ruin us. The enemy had changed their front
and were advancing in full march towards us; our men
were fatigued with the excessive heat. The artillery
horses were not in condition to make a brisk retreat.
A new position was ordered, but not generally communicated, for part of the troops were forming on the
right of the ground, while others were marching away,
and all the artillery driving off. The enemy, after a
short. halt,, resumed their pursuit; no cannon was left
to check their progress. A regiment was ordered to




THE LEE PAPERS.              433
form behind a fence, and as speedily commanded to
retire. All this disgraceful retreating, passed without
the firing of a musket, over ground which might have
been disputed inch by inch.  We passed a defile and
arrived at an eminence beyond, which was defended on
one hand by an impracticable fen, on the other by
thick woods where our men would have fought to advantage. 1 Here, fortunately for the honour of the
army, and the welfare of America, Gen' Washington
met the troops retreating in disorder, and without any
plan to make an opposition. He ordered some pieces
of artillery to be brought up to defend the pass, and
some troops to form and defend the pieces. The artillery was too distant to be brought up readily, so that
there was but little opposition given here. A few shot
though, and.a little skirmishing in the wood checked
the enemy's career. The Gen1 expressed his astonishment at this unaccountable retreat. Mr.- Lee indecently replied that the attack was contrary to his
advice and opinion in council. We were obliged to retire to a position, which, though hastily reconnoitred,
proved an excellent one. Two regiments were formed
behind a fence in front of the position. The enemy's
horse advanced in full charge with admirable bravery
to the distance of forty paces, when a general discharge
from these two regiments did great execution among
them, and made them fly with the greatest precipitation. The grenadiers succeeded to the attack. At
this time my horse was killed under me. In this spot
the action was hottest, and there was considerable
slaughter of British grenadiers. The General ordered
Woodford's brigade with some artillery to take possession of an eminence on the enemy's left and cannonade from thence. This produced an excellent effect.
The enemy were prevented from advancing on us, andl
confined themselves to cannonade with a show of turning our left flank. Our artillery answered theirs with
the greatest vigour. The General seeing that our left
flank was secure, as the ground was open and comVOL. I:. 28




484             TI-E LEE PAPERS.
manded by it, so that the enemy could not attempt to
turn it without exposing their own flank to a heavy
fire from our artillery, and causing to pass in review
before us, the force employed for turning us. In the
meantime, Gen' Lee continued retreating. Baron Steuben was order'd to form the broken troops in the rear.
The cannonade was incessant and the G(:eneral ordered
parties to advance from time to time and engage the
British grenadiers and guards.  The horse shewed
themselves no more.  The grenadiers shewed their
backs and retreated every where with precipitation.
They returned, however again to the charge, and were
again repulsed. They finally retreated and got over
the strong pass, where, as I mentioned before, Gen'
Washington first rallied the troops. We advanced in
force and continued masters of the ground; the standards of liberty were planted in triumph on the field
of battle. We remained looking at each other, with
the defile between us, till dark, and they stole off in
silence at midnight. We have buried of the enemy's
slain, 233, principally grenadiers; forty odd of their
wounded whom they left at Monmouth, fell into our
hands. Several officers are our prisoners. Among their
killed are Co' Moncton, a captain of the guards, and
several captains of grenadiers. We have taken but a
very inconsiderable number of prisoners, for want of a
good body of horse. Deserters are coming in as usual.
Our officers and men behaved with that bravery which
becomes freemen, and tave convinced the world that
they can beat British grenadiers. To name any one in
particular wd be a kind of injustice to the rest. There
are some, however, who came more immediately under
my view, whom I will mention that you may know
them. B. Gen' Wayne, Col. Barber, Col. Stewart, Col.
Livingston, Col. Oswald of the artillery, Capt Doughty
deserve well of their country, and distinguished themselves nobly.
The enemy buried many of their dead that are not
accounted for above, and carried off a great number of




THE LEE PAPERS.             435
wounded. I have written diffusely, and yet I have not
told you all. Gen' Lee, I think, must be tried for
misconduct. However, as this is a matter not generally known, tho' it seems almost universally wished
for, I would beg you, my dear father, to say nothing
of it.
You will oblige me much by excusing me to Mr
Drayton for not writing to him. I congratulate you,
my dear father, upon this seasonable victory, and
am ever,
Your most dutiful and affectionate,
JOHN LAURENS.
The Honble Henry Laurens, Esqr.
We have no returns of our loss as yet. The proportion on the field of battle appeared but small. We
have many good officers wounded.
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Camp, English Town, July 1st [30th June] 1778.
SIR,
From the knowledge I have of your Excellency's
character, I must conclude, that nothing but the misinformation of some very stupid, or misrepresentation of
some very wicked person, could have occasioned your
making use of such very singular expressions as you
did, on my commg      o up to ti grouicTh'w-    you had
taken post: they imply'd, that I was guilty either of
disobedience of orders, of want of conduct, or want of
courage. Your Excellency will therefore infinitely
oblige me, by letting me know, on which of these three
articles you ground your charge, that I may prepare
for my justification; which I have the happiness to be
confident I can do, to the Army, to the Congress, to




436              THIE LEE PAPERS.
America, and to the World in general. Your Excellency must give me leave to observe, that neither yourself, nor those about your person, cou'd, from your situation, be in the least judges of the merits or demerits of
our manceuvres; and, to speak with a becoming pride,
I can assert, that to these manceuvres the success of the
day was entirely owing. I can boldly say, that had
we remained on the first ground, or had we advanc'd,
or had the retreat been conducted in a manner different
from what it was, this whole army, and the interest of
America, would have risk'd being sacrificed. I ever
had, (and I hope ever shall have,) the greatest respect
and veneration for General Washington; I think him
endow'd with many great and good qualities; but in this
instance, I must pronounce, that lie has been guilty of an
act of cruel injustice towards a man who certainly has
some pretensions to the regard of ev'ry servant of
this country; and, I think, Sir, I have a right to demand
some reparation for the injury committed; and unless
I can obtain it, I must, in justice to myself, when this
campaign is closed, (which I believe will close the war,)
retire from a service, at the head of which is placed a
man capable of offering such injuries:-but, at this
same time, in justice to you, I must repeat that I from
my soul believe, that it was not a motion of your own
breast, but instigated by some of those dirty earwigs
who will for ever insinuate themselves near persons in
high office; for I really am convinced, that when General Washington acts from, himself, no man in his
army will have reason to complain of injustice or indecorum.
I am, Sir, and hope I ever shall have reason to continue, your most sincerely devoted humble Servant,
CHARLES LEE.
His Excellency General Washington.




THE LEE PAPERS.              437
FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Head Quarters, English-Town, June 30th 1778.
SIR:
I received your letter, (dated, thiough mistake, the
ist of July) expressed, as I conceive, in terms highly
improper. I am not conscious of having made use of
any very singular expressions at the time of my meeting you, as you intimate.  What I recollect to have
said, was dictated by duty, and warranted by the occasion. As soon as circumstances will permit, you shall
have an opportunity either of justifying yourself to the
army, to Congress, to America, and to the world in
general; or of convincing them that you were guilty of
a breach of orders, and of misbehaviour before the
enemy, on the 28th inst., in not attacking them  as
you had been directed, and in making an unnecessary,
disorderly, and shameful retreat.
I am Sir, your most obedient Servant,
G~ WASHINGTON.
Major General Lee.
To GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Camp, June 28th [30th,] 1778.
SIR,
I beg your Excellency's pardon for the inaccuracy
in mis-dating my letter. You cannot afford me greater
pleasure than in giving me the opportunity of shewing
to America, the sufficiency of her respective servants.
I trust, that the temporary power of office, and the tinsel dignity attending it, will not be able, by all the
mists they can raise, to offiscate the bright rays of truth.




438             THE LEE PAPERS.
In the mean time, your Excellency can have no obj ec
tion to my retiring from the army. I am, Sir,
Your most obedient Humble Servant,
CHARLES LEE.
General Washington.
To GEN. WASHINGTON.
Camp, June 30th, 1778.
SIR,
Since I had the honour of addressing my letter by
Colonel Fitzgerald to your Excellency, I have reflected
on both your situation and mine; and beg leave to observe, that it will be for our mutual convenience, that a
Court of Enquiry should be immediately ordered; hut
I could wish it might be a Court Martial: for, if the
affair is drawn into length, it may be difficult to collect
the necessary evidences, and perhaps might bring on a
paper war betwixt the adherents to both parties, which
may occasion some disagreeable feuds on the Continent;
for all are not my friends, nor all your admirers. I
must entreat, therefore, from your love of justice,
that you will immediately exhibit your charge; and
that on the first halt, I may be brought to a tryal, and
am, Sir,
Your most obedient Humble Servant,
CHARLES LEE,
His Excellency Gen. Washington.
GENERALS WAYNE AND SCOTT TO GEN. WASHINGTON.
Englishtown, 30th June, 1778.
SIR,
We esteem it a duty, which we owe to our country,
ourselves, and the officers and soldiers under our command, to state the following facts to your Excellency.
On the 28th instant, at five o'clock in the morning, we
received orders to march with the following detachments,




THE LEE PAPERS.             439
namely, Scott's and Varnum's brigades, Colonels Butler
and Jackson in front, amounting to seventeen hundred
men; Colonels Wesson, Livingston, and Stewart, with
one thousand men, commanded by General Wayne;'a
select detachment of fourteen hundred men, rank and
file, under General Scott, with ten pieces of artillery
properly distributed among the whole.
About eight o'clock, the van under Colonel Butler
arrived on the left of Monmouth Court-House, on the
rear of the left flank of the enemy, who were in full
march, moving in great haste and confusion. At this
time our main body, under General Lee, were formed
at the edge of a wood about half a mile distant from
the Court-House. General Wayne, who was in front
reconnoitring the enemy, perceiving that they had made
a halt, and were preparing to push Colonel Butler with
their horse and a few foot, gave direction for him to
form and receive them, and at the same time sent Major
Byles to General Lee, requesting that those troops might
be advanced to support those in front, and for the whole
to form on the edge of a deep morass, which extends
from the east of the Court-House on the right a very
considerable distance to the left. The troops did arrive
in about an hour after the requisition, and were generally formed in this position.
About the same time, General Scott's detachment
had passed the morass on the left, and the enemy's horse
and foot that had charged Colonel Butler, were repulsed.
The number of the enemy now in view might be near
two thousand, though at first not more than five hundred, exclusive of their horse. The ground we now occupied was the best formed by nature for defence of
any, perhaps in this country. The enemy advanced
with caution, keeping at a considerable distance in front.
General Scott, having viewed the position of the enemy,
as well as the ground where about twenty-five hundred
of our troops were formed, repassed the morass and took
post on the left, in a fine open wood, covered by said
morass in front.




440              THE LEE PAPERS.
Whilst this was doing, ( eneral Wayne, perceiving
that the troops on the right, from the wood to the Court'
House, were retreating, sent Major Fishbourn to General Lee, requesting that the troops might return to support him. In the interim General Wayne repassed the
morass, leaving Colonel Butler's regiment to keep post
on the right flank of the enemy. Generals Scott and
Wayne then wrent together along the morass to the
Court House, when Major Fishbourn returned, and
said that General Lee gave no other answer, than that
he would see General Wayne himself, which he never
did. The enemy having now an opening on the right of
General Scott began to move on, when General Wayne
and General Scott sent to Genera] Lee to request him
at least to form, to favor General Scott's retreat; but
this requisition met with the same fate as the last. The
troops kept still retreating, when General Scott perceiving that he would not be supported, filed off by the left.
General Wayne ordered Colonel Butler to fall back
also. Thus were these several select detachments -unaccountably drawn off without being suffered to come to
action, although we had the most pleasing prospect from
our numbers and position, of obtaining the most glorious
and decisive victory. After this, we fortunately fell in
with your Excellency. You ordered us to form part of
those troops, whose conduct and bravery kept the enemy
in play, until you had restored order.
We have taken the libelty of stating these facts, in
order to convince the world that our retreat from the
Court House was not occasioned by the want of numbers, position, or wishes of both officers and men to
maintain that post. We also beg leave to mention, that
that no plan of attack was ever communicated to us, or
notice of a retreat, until it had taken place in our rear,
as we supposed by General Lee's order.
We are, &c
ANTHONY WAYNE,
CHARLES SCOTT.




TInE LEE PAPERS.            441: GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Englishtown, July 1, 1778.
SIR,
I embrace this first moment of leisure to give Congress a more full and particular account of the movements of the army under my command since its passing the Delaware, than the situation of our affairs
would heretofore permit.
I had the honor to advise them that on' the appearance of the enemy's intentions to march through Jersey
becoming serious, I had detached Gen. Maxwell's brigade in conj unction with the militia of that'State, to interrupt and impede their progress by every obstruction
in their power, so as to give time to the army under
my command to come up with them, and take advantage of any favorable circumstances that might present
themselves. The army having proceeded to Coryell's
ferry and crossed the Delaware at that place, I imnmediately detached Col. Morgan, with a select corps of 600
men to reinforce Gen. Maxwell, and marched with the
main body towards Princeton.
The slow advance of the enemy had greatly the air
of design, and led me with others to suspect that Gen.
Clinton, desirous of a general action, was endeavouring
to draw us down into the lower country, in order by a
rapid movement to gain our right and take possession
of the strong grounds above us. This consideration
and to give the troops time to repose and refresh themselves from the fatigues they had experienced from
rainy and excessively hot weather, determined me to halt
at Hopewell Township, about five miles from Princeton,
where we remained till the morning of the 25th. On
the preceding day I made a second detachment of 1500
chosen troops, under Brig. Gen. Scott, to reinforce those
already in the vicinity of the enemy and more effectually to annoy and delay their march. The next day
the army moved to Kingston, and having received intelligence that the enemy were prosecuting their route




442             THE LEE PAPERS.
towards Monmouth Court House, I despatched 1000
select men under Brigr Gen Wayne and sent to the
Marquis De la Fayette to take the command of the
whole advanced corps, including Maxwell's brigade, and
Morgan's light infantry, with orders to take the first
fair opportunity of attacking the enemy's rear. In the
evening of the same day the whole army marched from
Kingston, where our baggage was left, with intention
to preserve a proper distance for supporting the advanced corps, and arrived at Cranberry early the next
morning. The intense heat of the weather and a heavy
storm unluckily coming on, made it impossible to
resume our march that day without great inconvenience
and injury to the troops. Our advanced corps being
differently circumstanced, moved from the position it
had held the night before, and took post in the evening
on the Monmouth road, about 5 miles from the enemy's
rear, in expectation of attacking them next morning on
their march. The main body having remained at Cranberry, the advanced corps was found to be too remote,
and too far upon the right to be supported either in
case of an attack upon or from the enemy, which induced me to send orders to the Marquis to file off by
his left, towards Englishtown, which he accordingly
executed early in the morning of the 27th.
The enemy in marching from  Allen-Town had
changed their disposition, and placed their best troops
in the rear, consisting of all the Grenadiers Light Infantry and Chasseurs of the line. This alteration made it
necessary to increase the number of our advanced corps;
in consequence of which I detached Major Gen. Lee,
with two brigades, to join the Marquis at Englishtown,
on whom of course the command of the whole devolved,
amounting to about 5000 men. The main body marched
the same day, and encamped within three miles of that
place. Morgan's corps was left hovering on the enemy's
right flank, and the Jersey Militia amounting at this
time to about 7 or 800 men, under Gen. Dickinson, on
their left.




THE LEE PAPERS.             443
The enemy were now encamped in a strong position,
with their right extending about a mile and a half
beyond the Court House, to the parting of the roads
leading to Shrewsbury and Middletown and their left
along the road from Allentown to Monmouth, about
three -miles on this side of the Court House. Their right
flank lay on the skirt of a small wood, while their left
was secured by a very thick one-a morass running
towards their rear, and their whole front covered by a
wood, and for a considerable extent towards the left
with a morass. In this situation they halted till the
morning of the 28th.
Matters being thus situated, and having had the
best information, that if the enemy were once arrived
at the heights of Middletown, tell or twelve miles from
where they were, it would be impossible to attempt
anything against them with prospect of success, I
determined to attack their rear the moment they should
get in motion from their present ground. I communicated nmy intention to Gen. Lee, and ordered him to
make his disposition for the attack, and to keep his
troops constantly lying upon their arms to be in readiness at the shortest notice. This was done with respect
to the troops under my immediate command.
About 5 in the morning Gen. Dickinson sent an
express, informing that the front of the enemy had begun their march. I instantly put the army in motion,
and sent orders by one of my aids de camp to Gen. Lee,
to move on and attack them unless there should be very
powerful reasons to the contrary; acquainting him at
the same time that I was marching to support him, and
for doing it with the greater expedition and convenience, should make the men disencumber themselves of
their packs and blankets.
After marching above five miles, to my great surprise and mortification, I met the whole advanced corps
retreating, and as I was told, by General Lee's orders,
without having made' any opposition except one fire
given by the party under the command of Col. Butler,




444              THE LEE PAPERS.
on their being charged by the enerny's cavalry, who were
repulsed. I proceeded immediately to the rear of the
corps, which I found closely pressed by the enemy, and
gave directions for forming part of the retreating
troops, who by the brave and spirited conduct of the
officers aided by some pieces of well-served artillery,
checked the.enemy's advance, and gave time to make a
disposition of the left wing and second line of the army
upon an eminence, and in a wood a little in the rear,
covered by a morass in front, on this were placed some
batteries of cannon by Ld. Stirling, who commanded the
left wing, which played upon the enemy with great
effect, and seconded by parties of infantry, detached to
oppose them, effectually put a stop to their advance.
Gen; Lee being detached with the advanced corps,
the command of the right wing, for the occasion, was
given to Gen. Greene. For the expedition of the march
and to counteract any attem pt to turn our right, I had
ordered him to file off by the new Church, two miles
from Englishtown and fall into the Monmouth road, a
small distance in the rear of the Court House while the
rest of the column moved directly on towards the Courthouse. On intelligence of the retreat, he marched up,
and took a very advantageous position on the right.
The enemy by this time finding themselves warmly
opposed in front, made an attempt to turn our left
flank, but they were bravely repulsed and driven back
by detached parties of infantry. They also made a
movement to our right, with as little success, Gen. Greene
having advanced a body of troops, with artillery, to a
commanding piece of ground, which not only disappointed their design of turning our right, but severely
enfiladed those in front of the left wing. In addition
to this Gen. Wayne advanced with a body of troops
and kept up so severe and well directed a fire, that the
enemy were soon compelled to retire behind the defile,
where the first stand in the beginning of the action had
been made. In this situation the enemy had both their
flanks secured by thick woods and morasses while their




THE LEE PAPERS.             445
front could only be approached throufgh a narrow pass.
I resolved nevertheless to attack them, and for that
purpose ordered Gen. Poor, with his own and the Carolina Brigade to move round upon their right and Gen.
Woodford upon their left, and the artillery to gall them
in, front;' but the impediments in their way prevented
their getting within reach before it was dark. They
remained upon the ground they had been directed to
occupy during the night, with the intention to begin the
attack early the next morning, and the army continued
lying upon their arms in the field of action to be in
readiness to support them. In the meantime the enemy
were employed, in removing their wounded, and about
twelve o'clock at night marched away in such silence,
that though Gen. Poor lay extremely near them they
effected their retreat without his knowledge. They
carried off all their wounded, except four officers and
about forty privates whose wounds were too dangerous
to permit their removal.
The extreme heat of the weather, the fatigue of the
men from their march through a deep sandy country,
almost entirely destitute of water-and the distance the
enemy had gained by marching in the night made a pursuit impracticable and fruitless. It would have answered
no valuable purpose, and would have been fatal to numbers of our men, several of whom died the preceding
day with heat.
Were I to conclude my account of this day's transactions without expressing my obligations to the officers
of the Army in general, I should do injustice to their
merit, and violence to my Own feelings. They seemed
to vie with each other in manifesting their zeal and
bravery. The catalogue of those who distinguished
themselves is too long to admit of particularizing individuals. I cannot however forbear mentioning Brigr
Gen Wayne, whose good conduct and bravery thro' the
whole action deserves particular commendation.
The behaviour of the troops in general after they
recovered from the first, surprise, occasioned by the




446              THE LEE PAPERS.
retreat of the advanced corps, was such as could not be
surpassed.
All the artillery both officers and men that were engaged, distinguished themselves in a remarkable manner.
Inclosed Congress will be pleased to receive a return
of our killed, wounded, and missing. Among the first
were Lieut. Col. Bonner, of Penna. and Major Dickinson
of Virginia, both officers of distinguished merit and
much to be regretted. The enemy's slain left on the
field and buried by us, according to the return of the
persons assigned to that duty, were four officers, and
two hundred and forty five privates. In the former number was the Hon. Col. Monckton. Exclusive of these
they buried some themselves, as there were several new
graves near the field of battle. How many men they
may have had wounded cannot be determined-but from
the usual proportion, the number must have been considerable. There were a few prisoners taken.
The peculiar situation of Gen. Lee at this time requires that I should say nothing of his conduct. lie is
now in arrest. The charges against hillm, with such
sentence as the Court Martial may decree in his case,
shall be transmitted for the approbation or disapprobation of Congress, as soon as it shall be passed.
Being fully convinced by the gentlemen of this
country that the enemy cannot be hurt or injured in
their embarkation at Sandy Hook, the place to which
they are going, and unwilling to get too far removed
from the North River, I put the troops in motion early
this morning and shall proceed that way, leaving the
Jersey Brigade, Morgan's Corps, and other light parties
(the militia being all dismissed) to hover about them-to
countenance desertion, and to prevent their depredations
as far as possible. After they embark the former will
take post in the neighborhood of Elizabethtown-the
latter rejoin the corps from which they were detached.
I have the honor to be with great respect,
Sir, Your most Obedient Servant,
G~ WASHINGTON.
To the Hon. Henry Laurens Esq &c &c




THE LEE PAPERS.                447
Return of the killed wounded and missing of the
American Army in the battle of Monmouth, on the
28th of June, 1778.
Killed: 1 Lieut. Col. 1 Major, 3 Captains, 2 Lieuts.
1 serjeant, 52 rank and file.
Wounded: 2 Cols. 8 Captins, 4 First Lieuts, 2 Second
Lieutenants, 1 Ensign, 1 Adjutant, 8 serjeants, 1 Drum.
120 rank and file.
Missing: 5 serjeants, 126 rank & file. Many of the
missing dropped through fatigue and have since come in.
Artillery: Killed.  1 First Lieut. 7 Matrosses, 1
Bombadier.
Wounded: 1 Capt. 2 serjeants, 1 Corporal, 1 gun.
ner, 10 Matrosses.
Missing: 1 Matross
Six horses killed and two wounded.
A  REPORT  OF THE BRITISH  &  AMERICAN  TROOPS,
FALLEN  IN  THE  ACTION  NEAR  MONMOUTH  &
BURIED UNDER CARE OF COL.  VAN  DYCK.  BY,
DIFFERENT OFFICERS, VIZ.
British.  Americans.
Capt. Graham...............  28            7
Capt. Kirkwoodcl...........  19           5
Capt. Frie.................  25           3
Capt. Beebe................  24           3
Lieut. V. Valkenburgh......    8          3
Lieut. Bruff................  21          3
Lieut. Reeves...............  11          2
Ensign Wolford..........   23             0
Lieut. Ferrit...............   7          3
Lieut. Colgate............... 12          0
Sergt Jones..................    3        0
Sergt. Brown...............5              0
Sergt. of 12 Virginia B.......  4         0
By the different Inhabitants.   27         0
Totals................... 217           29
CORNELIUS VAN DYCK, Ltt. Col.




448              THE LEE PAPERS.
Endor.sed (in the handwriting of General Washington,) "A Report of the
No. of Slain, buried in the Field of Battle near Monmouth Court Ho.
29th June 1778. Note.-Those buried by the Enemy not included in
these reports."
GENERAL WAYNE TO HIS WIFE.
Spotts Wood, 1st July, 1778.
DEAR POLLY,
On Sunday the 28th June our flying Army came in
view of the Enemy about Eight O'Clock in the Morning, when I was Ordered to Advance and Attack them
with a few men-the Remainder of the Army under
Gen''Lee was to have Supported me —we accordingly
Advanced-and Received a Charge from the British
horse and Infantry, which we soon [Repulsed] —however our Gen' thought Proper [to Retreat] in place of
Advancing-without our firing a Single Shot —the Enemny following in force-which Rendered it very iDiffi-.
cult for the small force I had to gain the main body,
being often hard pushed and frequently Surrounded —
after falling back about a Mile we met His Excellency,
who Surprised at our Retreat, knowing that Officers as
well as men were in high Spirits and wished for Nothing more than to be faded about and meet the British fire
-he Accordingly Ordered me to keep post where he
met us with StewArts & Livingstons Regiments and a
Virginia Regt then under my Command with two pieces
of Artillery and to keep [the Enemy] in play until he
had an [opportunity] of forming the Remainder of the
Army and Restoring Order —We had but just taken
post when the Enemy began their attack with Horse,
foot, & Artillery, the fire of their whole united force
Obliged us after a Severe Conflict to give way-when a
Most tremendious Cannonade Commenced on both Sides,
and Continued near four Hours without Ceasing-during
this time every possible Exertion was made use of by
His Excellency and the Other Generals to Spirit up the
Troops and to prepare them for an Other tryal-the




THE  LEE PAPERS.            449
Enemy began to Advance again in a heavy [Column],
against which I ordered some                   &
advanced with some of my                 to meet
them-the Action was Exceedingly warm  and well
Maintained on each Side for a Considerable time-at
Length Victory Declared for us-the British Courage
failed, and was forced to give place to American
Valour.
We Encamped on the field of Battle where we found
among the Dead and Wounded a number of the first
Officers of the British ArmyB-we have taken a great
many prisoners —and their men are coming into us by
Hundreds of a DayIn this affair I lost Eight brave field Officers killed
and wounded, with many other Officers and men-on the
part of the Enemy-the Slaughter has been great and
on their Grandrs, Infantry, and
Guards —their Loss. is not less than twelve or fifteen
Hundred men killed -& wounded.
Every General &- other officer (one excepted) did
Everything that could be expected on this Great Occation, but Pennsa shewed the Road to Victory-Adieu,
Dear Polly-Send this to my poor old Mother-& tell
her that I am safe & Well-kiss our Little People
for me.                           ANTY WAYNE.
COL. JOHN LAURENS TO HENRY LAURENS.
Head Quarters (on the lovely banks of the Raritan,
opposite New Brunswick), 2d July, 1778.
MY DEAR FATHER:
I had the pleasure of writing to you the day before:
yesterday, from English Town, but through some mistake my letter was not delivered to the express, altho it
was written in a hurry. I recollect no circumstance in
it relative to our late engagement, which farther inquiry
and consideration do not confirm. From a second view
VOL. II. 29




450              THE LEE PAPERS.
of the ground, as well as the accounts I have since had
of the enemy's strength and designs, it is evident to me
that Mr Clinton's whole flying army would have fallen
into our hands, but for a defect of abilities or good will
in the commanding officer of our advanced corps. His
precipitate retreat spread a baneful influence every-.
where. The most sanguine hope scarcely extended farther, when.the Commander in chief rallied his troops,
than to an orderly retreat; but by his intrepidity and
presence of mind, a firm line of troops was formed on a
good position, from whence he cannonaded with advantage, and detached light parties in front, who drove the
enemy from the field. ( en' Clinton and Lord Cornwallis were both present at the action.
The reason for not pursuing them farther with the
main body of our army was, that people well acquainted
with the country said that. the strength of the ground
would render it impracticable for us to injure them
essentially; and that the sandy, parched soil, together
with the heat of the sun, would probably occasion us
considerable loss. From  the specimen of yesterday's
march we have reason to think.it fortunate that we
took the part we have done; the heat of the weather,
thirsty soil, and heavy sand, reduced us to the necessity
of.bringing on many of our weaker men in waggons.
We are now arrived in a delightful country where
we shall halt and refresh ourselves. Bathing in the
Raritan, and the good living of the country will speedily
refresh us. I wish, my dear father, that you could ride
along the banks of this delightful river. Your zeal for
the public service will not at this time permit it. But
the inward satisfaction which you must feel from a patriotic discharge of your duty, is infinitely superior to
the delights of retirement and ease. I admire your
constant virtue, and will imitate your example.
Your most affectionate
JOHN LAURENS.
Col. Morgan writes this day, that the rear of the




THE LEE PAPERS.'451
enemy is a mile below Middle Town; that he has had
a skirmish with several of their light parties, which has
cost them some lives. He had only one man wounded.
Desertions continue, and I suppose will be very considerable at the moment of embarkation.
I have seen the General much embarrassed this day,
on the subject of those who distinguished themselves in
the battle of Monmouth. To name a few, and be silent
with regard to many of equal merit wd be an injustice
to the latter; to pass the whole over unnoticed -Vd be
an unpardonable slight; indiscriminate praise of the
whole wa be an unfair distribution of rewards; and yet,
when men generally conducted themselves so well as
our officers did, this matter is allowable and is eligible,
because least liable to give offence.
The merit of restoring the day, is due to the General; and his conduct was such throughout the affair
as has greatly increased my love and esteem for him.
My three brother aids gained themselves great applause
by their activity and bravery, while the three secretaries
acted as military men on this occasion, and proved
themselves as worthy to wield the sword as the pen.
Gen' Steuben, his aids and your son, narrowly escaped being surrounded by the British horse, early on
the morning of the action.  We reconnoitred them
rather too nearly, and Ld Cornwallis sent the dragoons
of his guard to make us prisoners.  Gen' Clinton saw*
the Baron's star, and the whole pursuit was directed at
him; but we all escaped, the dragoons fearing an ambuscade of infantry.
We have buried Col. Moncton With the honours of
war.
The Honble Henry Laurens, Esqr
President of Congress, Philadelphia.
* A dragoon deserter from the enemy just informs us of this. He says
three others came off with him, and that the Hessians are deserting amazingly.




45 2             THE LEE PAPERS.
To ISAAC COLLINS.
[New Jersey Gazette N~' 31, Vol. I., July 8, 1778.]
Brunswick, July 3d, 1778.
SIR,
Not satisfied with robbing me and the brave men
under my command of the credit due to us with respect
to the affair of the 28th, such an atrocious attack has
been made on my conduct, and so gross are the injuries
I have received, that I have, demanded a Court-martial,
which is to be held tomorrow. The reason that I address this note to you, is, that a most invidious, dishonest, and false relation has appeared in your paper
of July the l1t —I must therefore, entreat as you are
an honest man, that you will desire your readers to
consider the aforesaid relation as a fiction. Before
long they shall have a minute, just, and faithful account-In the meantime I beg you will print this note
-and am, Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
CHARLES LEE.
Mr. Isaac Collins.
July 3d, 1778.
SIR,
I desire you will consider this as a postscript to the
note I have already addressed to you, and that you will
request whatever printer is your correspondent at Philadelphia, to insert the note and postscript in his paper.
To call the affair a complete victory would be a dishonorable gasconade-It was indeed a very handsome
check, which did the Americans honor. No affair can
be more convincing of what they are equal to; in a
retrograde manceuvre of near four miles, no confusion
was observable but what arose, and ever will arise
from a monstrous abuse, which, if tolerated, will be
one day fatal-I mean the liberty which individuals,




THE LEE PAPERS.               453
without authority, take to direct and give their opinions. The behaviour of the whole, both men and officers, was so equally good that it would be unjust to
make distinctions; tho' I confess it is difficult to refrain
from paying compliments to the artillery, from General
Knox and Colonel Oswald down to the very driver.  It
is difficult to say which was the decisive point —it was
a battle in pieces, and by dint of fighting in a variety
of places-in the plain and in the woods-by advancing
and retreating, the enemy were at last fairly worn
down.
I am, Sir, Yours,
CHARLES LEE.
AccOUNT OF THE BATTLE OF MONMOUTH.
Referred to in the foregoing letter.
[Newo Jersey Gazette, Vol. I., No. 30, J'une 24, 1778. No. 29 is dated June
17. No. 31 is dated July 8. The publication was probably interrupted by the military movements, &c.]
TRENTON, July 1. His Excellency General Washington, having early intelligence of the intended movement of the enemy from Philadelphia, detached a considerable body of troops under the command of Major
General Lee, in order to support General Maxwell's
Brigade of Continental troops already in this state,
and the militia under Generals Dickinson and Heard.
These troops were intended to harrass the enemy on
their march through this state to Amboy, and to retard
them till General Washington, with the main body,
could get up. In the mean time several small skirmishes happened between the enemy and General Maxwell's troops, joined by the militia, but without any
considerable execution on either side.
The march of the enemy being by this means impeded, and the main army having crossed the Delaware
at Coryell's ferry on the 20th and 21st ulto, proceeded




454             THE LEE PA-PERS.
by the way of Hopewell, Rocky Hill, Kingston and
Cranberry, and on the 27th overtook the enemy at
Monmouth Court House, whither they retired from
Allentown on the approach of our troops, leaving their
intended route to Amboy.
It having been previously determined to attack the
enemy on their march, a suitable disposition was made
the same evening. General Lee, with a detachment of
pick'd men, consisting of about 1500, and reinforced
by a strong body of Jersey nilitia, advanced to English
Town (about six miles from Monmouth Court House)
the militia then proceeded to -the meeting house; the
main army under General Washington being about
four miles in the rear of English Town. In this position the whole halted until advice could be received of
the enemy's motion. -At three o'clock on Sunday morning their first division under General Knyphausen,
began their march, of which *we had intelligence in
about two hours, when General Lee received orders to
advance and begin the attack, the main army at the
same time advancing to support him. About half a
mile beyond the Court House, General Lee began his
attack, and drove the enemy for some time;. when they
being reinforced, he was obliged to retreat in turn,'till
met by General Washington with the main army, which
formed on the first: advantageous ground-In the meantime two field pieces covered by two regiments of the
detachment and commanded by Colonels Livingston
and Stewart, were advanced to check the enemy's approach, which they performed with great spirit and
with considerable loss on both sides. This service
being performed, they retired with the pieces to the
front line, then completely formed, when the severest
cannonade began that it is thought ever happened
in America. In the mean time strong detachments
marched and attacked the enemy with small arms, with
various success-The enemy were finally obliged to
give way, and we took possession of the field, covered
with dead and wounded. The intense heat of the




THE LEE PAPERS.             4 5 5
weather, and the preceding fatigue of the troops, made
it necessary to halt them to rest for some time. The
enemy in the mean time presenting a front about one
mile advanced beyond the seat of action-as soon as
the troops had recovered breath, General Washington
ordered two brigades to advance upon each of their
flanks, intending to move on in front at a proper time
to support them, but before they could reach their
destination night came on, and made any further movements impracticable.
They left on the field the honorable Col. Monckton,
with several other officers and a great number of privates, which cannot: yet be ascertained with precision. —
About 12 o'clock on Sunday night they moved off with
great precipitation towards Middletown, leaving at the
Courthouse five wounded officers and above forty
privates. They began the attack with their veteran
grenadiers and light infantry, which renders their loss
still more important. On our side Lieut. Col. Bonner,
of Pennsylvania, and Major Dickinson of Virginia, are
slain —Col. Barber, of this State, is wounded by a
musket ball, which passed thro' the right of his body,
but it is hoped will not prove mortal.  Our troops
behaved with the greatest bravery, and opposed the
flower of the British army-Our artillery was well
served, and did amazing execution. Before, during,
and after the action, deserters came over in great nulmbers, and still continue so to do. Of the enemy's dead
many have been found without any wound, but being
heavily cloathed, they sunk under the heat and fatigue.
We are well assured that the Hessians absolutely refused to engage, declaring it was too hot. Their line
of march from the Court House was strew'd with dead,
with arms, knapsacks, and accoutrements, which they
dropt on their retreat. They had the day before taken
about fifteen prisoners, whom in their haste they left
behind. Had we been possessed of a powerful body-of
cavalry on the field, there is no doubt the success would
have been much more compleat, but they had been so




456.TIIE LEE PAPERS.
much employed in harassing the enemy during the
march, and were so detached, as to give the enemy a
great superiority in number, much to their advantage.
Our success, under heaven, is to be wholly ascribed to
the good disposition made by his Excellency, supported
by the firmness and bravery of both officers and men,
who were emulous to distinguish themselves on this
occasion. The great advance of the enemy on their
way, their possession of the strong grounds at Middletown, added to the exhausted state of our troops, made
an immediate pursuit ineligible; and our army now
remains about one mile advanced from the field of
battle, having been since employed in collecting the
dead and wounded, and burying the former.
Thus (says a correspondent) the enemy have had
two campaigns to march from New York to Philadelphia, and back again, with the diminution of at least
half their army. How much cheaper might his Britannic Majesty, buy sheep and oxen in England, in the
usual manner, than he now gets them, by employing an
army to steal them in America!
The enemy, on their way through Burlington
county, wantonly destroyed a very valuable merchantmill near Bordentowni,* the iron works at Mount Holly,
and the dwelling houses, out houses, &e. of Peter Tallman, Esq., and Col. Shreve.
Previous to the evacuation of Philadelphia, the
enemy plundered the inhabitants of most of the waggons and horses in and near the city, and totally destroyed some and greatly injured many very valuable
buildings, especially such as were situated about the
suburbs of the town and near the lines. A number of
the active tory inhabitants, being conscious of their
guilt, and dreading the vengeance of their countrymen,
went off with the enemy.
Monday last twenty seven British prisoners, chiefly
grenadiers, who were taken by surprise on Saturday
[* See advertisement of the ruins, &c., in N. J. Gazette: Oct. 14, 1778.]




THE LEE PAPERS.             457
last near Monmouth Court house, were brought to this
town. The same day thirty six more arrived at. Princeton, part of those taken in the late engagement, and
many more are on their way.
By the best accounts we have received,. upwards of
500 of the British Army, chiefly Hessians, have deserted and returned to Philadelphia since the enemy left
that city; and a considerable number have come in to
other places.
We hear that several British transports have been
lately taken on their passage from Philadelphia to New
York, one of which had five refugee families with their
furniture, &~ on board.
To ROBERT MORRIS.
Brunswick, July ye 3rd 1 778.
MY DR SIR,
To use the words of my Lord Chatham, have we
not a gracious Prince on the Throne? is.he not still the
same?  I trust he is; but there is something rotten
betwixt him and his People-not content with robbing
me and the brave men under my command of the honor
due to us-a most hellish plan has been formed (and I
may say at least not discourag'd by' Head Quarters)
to destroy for ever my honour and reputation-I have
demanded a Court Martial which has fortunately been
granted-if I had been let alone, I should with patience
have suffered'em to pick up the laurels which I hadshaken down and lay'd at their feet; but the out'rageous attacks made are enough to drive patience itself.to madness-I shall not trouble you at present with- a
detail of the action, but by all that's sacred Genl.
Washington had scarcely any more to do in it than to
strip the dead-by want of proper intelligence we were
ordered to attack the covering party supposed to consist
only of fifteen hundred men-Our intelligence as usual




458-            THE LEE PAPERS.
was false-it proved to be the whole flower of the
British Army, Grenadiers, L. Infantry Cavalry and
Artillery amounting in the whole to Seven. thousand
men-by the temerity, folly, and contempt of orders of
General Wain we found ourselves engaged in the
most extensive plain in America-separated from our
main body the distance of eight miles-The force we
cou'd bring to action not more than three thousand.men-in danger every moment of having our flanks
turn'd by their Cavalry-it required the utmost presence of mind and courage to extricate ourselves out of
this dangerous situation, and on this occasion it is no
crime to do justice to myself. Upon my Soul I feel I
know the whole Army saw and must acknowledge that
I did exhibit great presence of mind and not less
address-altho' my orders were perpetually counteracted I manceuvred my antagonists from their advantageous ground into as disadvantageous a one —no confusion was seen, the Battalions and artillery supported
and were supported by each other through a plain of
four miles, without losing a single gun, a single color,
or sacrificing a single Battalion until I led'em totally
exhausted into the ground where the general was posted, who had as I observ'd before nothing to do but
to strip their dead-it is true they cannonaded each
other for some time but the Enemy were so completely
worn down that they cou'd never attempt the least impression-The General has the madness to charge me
with making-a shameful retreat-I never retreated in
fact (for'till I join'd him it was not a retreat but a
necessary and I may say in my own defence masterly
manceuvre) I say I never retreated but by his positive
order who invidiously sent me out of the field when
the victory was assur'd-Such is my recompense fo6r
having sacrificed my Friends, my connexions, and perhaps my fortune for having twice extricated this man
and his whole army out of perdition, and now having
given him the only victory he ever tasted. Do not my
Dr Friend, imagine I talk in this heated manner to




THIE LEE PAPERS.           459
every man —to you I venture to pour out my indignation-but I give you my word I am so sensible of
my ticklish situation that I am with others perfectly
moderate and guarded-the cool parts of this letter I
wish you wou'd read to Richard HIenry Lee and Duar,
to what others you think prudent
I am most sincerely and affectionately Yours
C. LEE.
Hon. Robert Morris.
GEN. WASHINGTON TO JOHN AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON.
Brunswic, 4 July, 1778.
DEAR BROTHER,
Before this will have reached you, the account of
the battle of Monmouth will probably get to Virginia;
which, from an unfortunate and bad beginning, turned
out a glorious and happy day. The enemy evacuated
Philadelphia on the 18th instant. At ten o'clock that
day I got intelligence of it, and by two o'clock, or soon
after, had six brigades on their march for the Jerseys,
and followed with the whole army next morning. On
the 21st we completed our passage over the Delaware
at Coryell's Ferry, about thirty-three miles above Philadelphia, and distant from Valley Forge about forty
miles. From this Ferry we moved-down towards the
enemy, and on the 27th got within six miles of them.
General Lee, having the command of the van of the.
army, consisting of full five thousand chosen men, was
ordered to begin the attack next morning, so soon as the
enemy began their march; to be supported by me;
but, strange to tell! when he came up with the enemy,
a retreat commenced; whether by his order, or from
other causes, is now the subject of inquiry, and consequently improper to be descanted upon, as he is in arrest, and a court-martial is sitting for his trial. A
retreat, however, was the fact, be the causes what they
may; and the -disorder - arising from - it would have




460              THE LEE PAPERS.
proved fatal to the army, had not that bountiful Providence, which has never failed us in the hour of distress,
enabled me to form a regiment or two (of those that
were retreating) in the face of the enemy and under
their fire; by which means a stand was made long
enough (the place through which the enemy were pursuing being narrow) to form the troops, that were advancing, upon an advantageous piece of ground in the
rear. Here our affairs took a favorable turn, and,
from being pursued, we drove the enemy back over the
ground they had followed, and recovered the field of
battle, and possessed ourselves of their dead. But as
they retreated behind a morass very difficult to pass,
and had both flanks securted with thick woods, it was
found impracticable with our men, fainting with fatigue,
heat, and want of water, to do anything more that night.
In the morning we expected torenew the action, when,
behold, the enemy had stolen off silently in the night,
after having sent away their wounded. Getting a
night's march of us, and having but ten miles to a
strong post, it was judged expedient not to follow
them any further, but to move towards the North River, lest they should have any design upon our posts
there.
I observe what you say respecting voluntary enlistments, or rather your scheme for raising two thousand
volunteers; and I candidly own to you, that I have no
opinion of it. These measures only tend to burthen the
public with a number of officers, without adding one
jot to our strength, but greatly to confusion and disorder. If the several States would but fall upon some
vigorous measures to fill up their respective regiments,
nothing more need be asked of them. But while these
are neglected, or in other words ineffectually and feebly
attended to, and -these succedaneums tried, we can
never have an army to be depended upon.
The enemy's whole force marched through the
Jerseys, excepting the regiment of Anspach, which,
it is said, they were afraid to trust, and therefore sent




THE LEE PAPERS.             461
them round to New York by water with the Commissioners. I do not learn that they have received
much of a reinforcement as yet; nor do I think they
have a prospect of any worth speaking of, as I believe
they stand very critically with respect to France. As
the post waits, I shall only add my love to my sister
and the family, and strong assurances of being, with
the sincerest regard and love.
Your most affectionate brother,
G~ WASHINGTON.
LIEUT.-GEN. SIR HENRY CLINTON, K.B., To LORD
GEO. GERMAINE.
New York, July 5, 1778.
MY LORD,
I have the honor to inform your Lordship, that pursuant to his Majesty's instructions I evacuated Phila on
the 18th June, at three oclock in the morning, and proceeded to Gloucester Point, without being followed by'the enemy. Every thing being from thence passed in
safety across the Delaware through the excellent disposition made by the Admiral to secure our passage
the army marched at 10 oclock and reached Haddonfield the same day. A strong corps of the enemy having, upon our approach, abandoned the difficult pass of
Mount-Holly the army proceeded without any interruption from them, excepting what was occasioned by their
having destroyed every bridge on our road. As the
country is much intersected with marshy rivulets, the
obstructions we met with were frequent, and the excessive heat of the season rendered the labour of repairing the bridges severely felt.
The advanced parties of our light troops arriving
unexpectedly at Crosswicks on the 23rd, after a trifling
skirmish, -prevented the enemy from destroying the




46 2             THE LEE PAPERS.
bridge over a large creek at that village, and the army
passed it the next morning. One column, under the
command of his Excellency Lieut Gen. Knyphausen,
halted near Emlay's-town, and as the provision train
and heavy artillery were stationed in that division the
other column, under Lieut. Gen. Earl Cornwallis took
a position at Allen's town, which covered the other encampment.
Thus far, my Lord, my march pointed equally towards the Hudson's River and Staten Island by the
Raritan., I was now at the juncture when it was necessary to decide ultimately what course to pursue.
Encumbered as I was by an enormous provision train,
&~ to which impediment the probability of obstructions
and length of my march obliged me to submit, I was
led to wish for a route less liable to obstacles than'
those above mentioned.
I had received intelligence that Gen" Washington
and Lee had passed the Delaware with their army, had.assembled a numerous militia from all the neighbouring provinces; and that Gates with an army from the
northward, was advancing to join them on the Rariton. As I could not hope that after having always
hitherto so studiously avoided a general action Gen.
~Washington would now give into it against every dictate of policy: I could only suppose that his views.were directed against my baggage &C, in which part I
was indeed vulnerable. This circumstance alone would
have tempted me to avoid the passage of the Raritan,
but when I reflected that from Sandy Hook I should
be able, with more expedition [and greater secrecy] to
carry his Majesty's further orders into execution, I did
not hesitate to order the army into the road which leads
through Freehold to the Neversink. The approach of
the enemy's army being indicated by the frequent appearance of their light troops on our rear, I requested
his Excellency Lieut General Knyphausen to take the
baggage of the whole army under the charge of his
division, consisting of the troops mentioned in the mar



THE LEE PAPERS.                 463
gin.*  Under the head of baggage was comprised, not
only the wheel carriages of every department, but also
the bat horses, a train, which as the country admitted
but of one route for carriages, extended near twelve
miles. The indispensible necessity I was under of securing these, is obvious, and the difficulty of doing it,
in a most woody country, against an army far superior
in numbers, will, I trust, be no less so.
I desired Lieut. Gen. Knyphausen to move at day
break on the 28th and that I might not press upon him
in the first part of the march, in which we had but one
route, I did not follow  with the other division t till
near eight o'clock. Soon after I had marched, reconnoitering parties of the enemy appeared on our left
flank. The Queen's rangers fell in with and dispersed
some detachments  among  the woods in  the  same
quarter.  Our rear guard having descended from  the
heights above Freehold, into a plain near three miles
in length, and about one mile in breadth:; several
columns of the enemy appeared likewise descending
into the plain, and about ten o'clock they began to
cannonade our rear.  Intelligence was at this moment
brought me, that the enemy were discovered marching
in force on both our flanks.  I was convinced that our
baggage was their object; but it being in this juncture
engaged in defiles, which continued'for some miles, no
means occurred of parrying the blow, but attending the
corps which harrassed our rear, and pressing it so hard
as to oblige the detachments to return from  our flanks
to its assistance.
I had good information that Gen. Washington was
up with his whole army, estimated at about 20,000,
but as I knew there were two defiles between- him  and
the corps which I meant to strike, I judged that he
*17th light dragoons, 2d battalion of light infantry, Hessian Yagers,
1st & 2d Brigades British, Sterne's and Loo's brigades of Hessians, Penna
Loyalists, West Jersey Volunteers, Maryland Loyalists.
- 16th light dragoons, 1st battalion of British Grenadiers, 2d ditto, 1st
battalion of light infantry, Hessian grenadiers, guards, 3d 4th 5th brigades,
-British.




464              THE LEE PAPERS.
could not have passed them with a greater force than
what Lord Cornwallis's division was well able to engage; and had I even met his whole army in the passage of those defiles, I had little to apprehend, but his
situation might have been critical.
The enemy's cavalry, commanded it is said by M.
La Fayette, having approached within our reach, they
were charged with great spirit by the Queen's light dragoons. They did not wait the shock, but fell back in
confusion, upon their own infantry.
Thinking it possible that the event might draw a
general action, I sent for a brigade of British and the
17th light dragoons from Lieut. Gen. Knyphausen's
division, and having directed them on their arrival to
take a position effectually covering our right flank, of
which I was most jealous, I made a disposition of attack
on the plain, but before I could advance, the enemy fell
back and took a strong position on the heights above
Freehold Court House. The heat of the weather was
intense, and our men already suffered from fatigue.
But our circumstances obliged us to make a vigorous
exertion.  The British Grenadiers with their left to
the village of Freehold, and the Guards on the right of
the Grenadiers began the attack with such spirit, that
the enemy gave way immediately. The second line of
the enemy stood the attack, with greater obstinacy, but
were likewise completely routed.. They then took a
third position, with a marshy hollow in front, over
which it would have been scarcely possible to have attacked them. However part of the second line made a
movement to the front, occupied some ground on the
enemy's left flank, and the light infantry and Queen's
Rangers turned their left.
By this time our men were so overpowered with fatigue, that I could press the affair no further; especially
as I was confident the end was gained for which the
attack been made. I ordered the light infantry to rejoin me; but a strong detachment of the enemy having
possessed themselves of a post, which would have an



THE LEE PAPERS.             465
noyed them in their retreat, the 33rd Regiment made a
movement towards the enemy, which, with a similar one
made by the first grenadiers, immediately dispersed
them.
I took the position from whence the enemy had been
first driven, after they had quitted the plain, and having reposed the troops till ten at night, to avoid the
excessive heat in the day, I took advantage of the
moonlight to rejoin Lieut-Gen. Knyphausen, who had
advanced to Nut-swamp, near Middletown.
Our baggage had been intercepted by some of the
enemy's light troops, who were repulsed by the good
dispositions made by Lieut Gen. Knyphausen and Major
Gen Grant, and the good countenance of the 40th Regt
whose pickets alone were attacked, and one troop of
the 17th light dragoons.  The two corps which had
marched against it, (being as I since learn a brigade on
each flank) were recalled, as I had suspected, at the
beginning of the action.
It would be sufficient honour to the troops, barely
to say, that they had forced a corps, as I am informed
of near 12,000 men, from two strong positions; but it
will, I — doubt not, be considered as doubly creditable
when I mention that they did it under such disadvantages of heat and fatigue, that a great part of those we
lost fell dead as they advanced, without a wound.
Fearing that my first order had miscarried, before I
quitted this ground, I sent a second for a brigade of
infantry, the 17th light dragoons, and 2d battalion of
light infantry to meet me on the march, with which additional force, had General Washington shewn.himself
the next day, I was determined to attack him, but there
not being the least appearance of an enemy, I suspected
he might have pushed a considerable corps to a strong
position near Middletown; I therefore left the rear
guard on its march, and detached Major Gen. Grant
to take post there, which was effected on the 29th.
The whole army marched to this position the next
day, and then fell back to -another near Neversink,
VOL. II.-30




:466             THE LEE PAPERS.
where I awaited two days, in the hope, that Mr. Washington might have been tempted to have advanced
to the position near Middletown, which we had quitted;
in which case I might have attacked him to advantage.
During this time the sick and wounded were embarked, and preparations made for passing to Sandy
Hook Island by a bridge, which by the extraordinary
efforts of the navy was soon completed, and over
which the whole army passed in about two hours time;,the horses and cattle having been previously transported.
Your Lordship will receive herewith a return of the
-killed, wounded, missing, &c. of his Majesty's troops on
the 28th of last month: That of the enemy is supposed
to have been more considerable, especially in killed.
The loss of Lieut-Col. Monckton, who commanded
the 2d battalion of grenadiers is much to be lamented.
I am much indebted to Ld. Cornwallis for his zealous services on every occasion; and I found great support from the activity of Major Gen. Grey, Brigadier
General Matthew, Leslie, and Sir William Erskine.
I beg leave to refer your Lordship, for any other
particulars which you may wish to be informed of, to
Col. Patterson, who will have the honor of delivering
these dispatches, and whose services in this country,
entitle him to every mark of your Lordships favor.
I have the honor to be, &c.
H. CLINTON.
Return of the killed, wounded, missing, &c. of the
troops under the command of Gen. Sir Henry
Clinton in an engagement with the rebel army on
the heights of Freehold, C~ of Monmouth, New
Jersey, the 28th of June, 1778.
Total British:
I Lieut. Col. 1 Captain, 2 Lieuts. 4 serjeants, 56
rank and file, killed; M serjeants, 45 rank and file, died




THE LEE PAPERS.              467
with fatigue; 1 Col. 1 Lieut Col. 1 Major, 7 Captains,
5 Lieuts. 7 serjeants, 137 rank -and file, wounded; 3 serjeants, 61 rank and file, missing.
Total German:
1 rank and file killed; 11 rank and file, died with
fatigue; 11 rank and file, wounded.
General Total:
1 Lieut. Col. 1 Capn 2 Lieuts. 4 serjeants, 57 rank
and file killed; 3 serjeants, 56 rank and file, died with
fatigue; 1 Col. I Lieut Col. I Major, 7 Captains, 5
Lieuts. 7 serjeants, 148 rank and file, wounded; 3 serjeants, 61 rank and file, missing.
COLONEL HAMILTON TO ELIAS BOUDINOT.
MY'DEAR Sin,
You will by this time imagine that I have forgotten my promise of writing to you, as I have been so
long silent on an occasion, which most people will be
fond of celebrating to their friends. The truth is I
have no passion for scribbling and I know you will be
at no loss for the fullest information. But that you
may not have a right to accuse me of negligence, I will
impose upon myself the drudgery of saying something
about the transactions of the 28th, in which the American arms gained very signal advantages; and might
have gained much more signal ones.
Indeed, I can hardly persuade myself to be in good
humour with'success so far inferior to what we, in all
probability should have had, had not the finest opportunity America ever possessed been fooled away by a
man, in whom she has placed a large share of the most
ill-judged confidence. You will have heard enough to
know that I mean General Lee. This man is either a




468              THE LEE PAPERS.
driveler in the business of soldiership or something
much worse. To let you fullly into the silly and pitiful
game he has been playing, I will take the tale up from
the beginning; expecting you will consider what I say,
as in the most perfect confidence.
When we came to Hopewell Township, the General unluckily called a council of War, the result of
which would have done honor to the most honorable
society of midwives, and to them only. The purport
was, that we should keep at a comfortable distance
from the enemy, and keep up a vain parade of annoying them by detachment. In pursuance of this idea, a
detachment of 1500 men was sent off under General
Scott to join the other troops near the enemy's lines.
General Lee was primum  nobile of this sage plan;
and was even opposed to sending so considerable a
force. The General, on mature reconsideration of what
had been resolved on, determined to pursue a different
line of conduct at all hazards. With this view, he
marched the army the next morning towards Kingston
and there made another detachment of 1000 men under
General Wayne; and formed all the detached troops
into an advanced corps under the command of the Marquis De la Fayette. The project was, that this advanced corps should take the first opportunity to attack the enemy's rear on the march, to be supported or
covered as circumstances should require by the whole
army.
General Lee's conduct with respect to the command
of this corps was truly childish. According to the incorrect notions of our army his seniority would have
entitled him to the command of the advanced corps.;
but he in the first instance declined it, in favour of the'Marquis. Some of his friends having blamed him for
doing it, and Lord Stirling having shown a disposition
to interpose his claim, General Lee very inconsistently
reasserted his pretensions. The matter was a second
time accommodated; General Lee and Lord Stirling
agreed to let the Marquis command. General Lee a




THE LEE PAPERS.             469
little time after, recanted again and became very importunate. The General, who had all along observed
the greatest candor in the matter, grew tired of such
fickle behaviour and ordered the Marquis to proceed.
The enemy in marching from Allen Town had
changed -their disposition and thrown all their best
troops in the rear; this made it necessary to strike a
stroke with propriety, to reinforce the advanced corps.
Two brigades were detached for this purpose, and the
General willing to accommodate General Lee, sent him
with them to take command of the whole advanced
corps, which rendezvoused the forenoon of the 27th at
English Town, consisting of at least 5000 rank & file,
most of them select troops. General Lee's orders were,
the moment.he received intelligence of the enemy's
march to pursue them and to attack their rear.
This intelligence was received about five o'clock the
morning of the 28th, and General Lee put his troops in
motion accordingly. The main body did the same.
The advanced corps came up with the enemy's rear a
mile or two beyond the Court House; I saw the enemy
drawn up, and am persuaded there were not a thousand
men-their front from different accounts was then ten
miles off. However favorable this situation may seem
for an attack it was not made; but after changing
their position two or three times by retrograde movements our advanced corps got into a generaltconfused retreat, and even rout would hardly be too strong an
expression. Not a word of all this was officially comrn
nmunicated to the General; as we approached the supposed place of action we heard some flying rumours of
what had happened, in consequence of which the General rode forward and found the troops retiring in the
greatest disorder and the enemy pressing upon their
rear. I never saw the General to so much advantage.
His coolness and firmness were admirable. He instantly took measures for checking the enemy's advance,
and giving time to the army, which was very near,
to form and make a proper disposition. He then rode




470              TIHE LEE PAPERS.
back and had the troops formed on a very advantageous
piece of ground; in which and in other transactions
of the day General Greene and Lord Stirling rendered
very essential service, and did themselves great honor.
The sequel is, we beat the enemy and killed and
wounded at least a thousand of their' best troops.
America owes a great deal to General Washington for
this day's work. A general rout dismay and disgrace
would have attended the whole army in any other
hands but his. By his own good sense and fortitude he
turned the fate of the day. Other officers have great
merit in performing their parts well; but he directed
the whole with the skill of a Master Workman. He did
not hug himself at a distance and leave an Arnold to
win laurels for him; but by his own presence, he
brought order out of confusion, animated his troops,
and led them to success.
A great number of our officers distinguished themselves this day. General Wayne was always foremost
in danger. Col. Stewart & Lt. Col. Ramsay were with
him among the first to oppose the enemy. Lt. Col.
Olney at the head of Varnum's Brigade made the next
stand. I was with him, got my horse wounded and my.
self much hurt by a fall in consequence. Col. Livingston behaved very handsomely.  Our old friend Barber
was remarkably active; towards the close of the day, he
received a ball through his side-which the doctors
think will not be fatal. Col. Silly & Lt.'Col. Parker
were particularly useful on the left-Col. Craig, with
General Wayne on the right. The Artillery acquitted
themselves most charmingly. I was Spectator to Lt.
Col. Oswald's behaviour, who kept up a gallant fire
from some pieces commanded by him, uncovered and
unsupported. In short one can hardly name particulars without doing injustice to the rest. The behaviour
of the officers and men in general was such as could not
easily be surpassed. Our troops, after the first impulse
from mismanagement, behaved with more spirit & moved
with greater order than the British troops. You know




THE LEE PAPERS.             471
my way of thinking about our army, & that I am not
apt to flatter it. I assure you I never was pleased with
them before this day.
What part our family acted let others say. I hope
you will not suspect me of vanity when I tell you that
one of them Fitzgerald, had a slight contusion with a
musket-ball; another, Laurens had a slight contusion
also-and his horse killed-a third, Hamilton had. his
horse wounded, in the first part of the action with
a musket ball. If the rest escaped, it is only to be
ascribed to better fortune, not more prudence in keeping
out of the way. That Congress is not troubled with
any messenger aids to give swords & other pretty toys
to, let them ascribe to the good sense of the Commander
in Chief, & to a certain turn of thinking in. those about
him which put them above such shifts.
What think you now of General Lee? You will
be ready to join me in condemning him. And yet, I
fear, a Court Martial will not do it. A certain preconceived & preposterous opinion of his being a very great
man will operate in his favour. Some people are very
industrious in making interest for him. Whatever a
Court Martial may decide, I shall continue to believe
and say-his conduct was monstrous and unpardonable.
I am Dr Sir
yrs affecty,
ALEX. HAMILTON.
Brunswick, July 5th 78.
One wing of the Army marched this morning towards the North River, another goes tomorrow-The
enemy by our last accounts were embarking their luggage-They are three miles below Middletown. French
importunity cannot be resisted-I have given two
Frenchmen letters to you. I am very serious about Mr.
Toussard-and as far as a Majority in some corps, Armand's, Pulaski's or such like, would wish you to interest
yourself for him. The Marquis De Vienne, I am so far
in earnest concerning, that if his pretensions are mode



472              THE LEE PAPERS.
rate and he can be gratified I should be glad of it —but
I fear they will be pretty high
PRESIDENT LAURENS TO COL. JOHN LAURENS.
Philadelphia, 6th J[uly, 1778.]
MY DEAR SON,
I have
favors of the 30th ulto & 2d
-jects for the exercise of a gratefi
God for the deliverance of our great & good
-er in Chief & of our Army, from the Snare which
had been set for them, for'the escape of you my Dear
fellow citizen from the dangers to which your duty
had necessarily exposed you-& while I bless God for
the providential interposition in our favor I congratulate with my Country Men on the partial victory gained
over our Enemies on the 28th June at Monmouth.
Repair your particular loss immediately by purchasing one of the very best Horses you can meet with &
more than one or two if needful, draw on me for the
amount or tell me how I may remit a sufficient sum.
The term Snare shews the present sentiments of my
mind, that my former jealousies respecting the conversation with an old friend at the lines, the reception
& lodging Doctr W. were not groundless these circumstances will naturally recur to your own-but antecedently to either of these, a conversation at Yorktown, tete a t6te, which, if the Gentleman had ever
been sincere, discovered [a cha]nge,
some ungracious hints applied to an
love, had alarmed me.-You
were grounds for my suspicions
his pretences to leave Philadelphia, at
the justness of my observation that the whole
conduct in this City carried the face of Stratagem
not subsisted, a concerted Plan by which our Army was




THE LEE PAPERS.             4'73
tohave been disgraced, perhaps ruined: he would not have
himself to the fatigue & hazards of loss by various
nd March, or if necessity had obliged him
Army would have been far enough
urs-whatever is is best-I now
indebted to the Man I suspected as
Judas.  whose example in all cases ought to be
fo[llo]wed by Men of his disposition.
Certainly for my country's sake, I rejoice at the
late happy event, certainly for your sake, but I have
a feeling of joy respecting your General which, uncommon as such impressions are in my mind, stronger for
an Individual than a general good, for an Individual
stronger than for one so very nearly bound to my heart,
seems to overbound all other joy —-there are rational
grounds for this apparent excess which shall be explained to your Conviction and satisfaction whenever I
am so happy as to take you into my Arms.
I thank you very much, my dear son, for the minute
account of the transactions at Monmouth, such intelligence enables me to make acceptable transmissions to
my friends at home, & without such I should be very
barren, for
I now live in a'house & in a stile somewhat better
than which I had patiently humbled myself in, from
the 28th September to the 27th June at York Townsomewhat below the rank of my Overseers. I have
now a Bed for a friend & Board for a half a dozen or
more every day. Come see for a fortnight how I live
& let me tell you, you will feel it, whether you come or
do not come.
Adieu My Dear Son persevere in your Duty, God
will bless you and make your Father happy
HENRY LAURENS
Your General transmits his despatches by a common
messenger-I love and reverence him * * *
Col~ John Laurens.




474,             THIE LEE PAPERS.
ELIAS BOUDINOT TO COLONEL HAMILTON.
Philadelphia, July 8, 1778.
MY DEAR SIR,
I had concluded your Laurels had produced a forgetfulness of your old friend, but am now rejoicing in
my disappointment having your obliging & very enter-:
taining favour of the 5th Inst. just handed me. With
the utmost sincerity I congratulate you and my Country
on the kind interposition of Heaven in our favour on
the 28th ultimo. It seems to me as if on every occasion
we are to be convinced that our political salvation is to
be as through the fire. I scarcely know whether I am
more distressed that any Person engaged in the cause of
America & to whom she has entrusted her safety could
be capable of betraying her Interest in the critical
moment of decision, or more'really gratified & pleased
that the Supreme Disposer of human events is continually baffling not only the formidable & open force of
our enemies, but also the more dangerous & secret
efforts of false or lukewarm friends.-The General I
always revered & loved ever since I knew him, but in
this instance he rose superior to himself-Every lip
dwells on his praise, for even his pretended friends (for
none dare to acknowledge themselves his enemies) are
obliged to croak it forth. The share that his family
(for whom I retain a real friendship) has in the honors
of the- day afforded me real pleasure and among the
rest none more than that of your Lordship.
The Congress have not made a House till yesterday
— I am afraid I shall have my hands full here-and am
not greatly elated at the prospect.
We have undoubted intelligence of the sailing of a
French fleet for this country, under the command of
Vice Admiral Count de Estaing consisting of 12 ships
of the Line, 6 Frigates & two Xebeques.-I have reason
to believe the French Ambassador is on board-An
English fleet lay at St Helena ready to follow them,




THE'LEE PAPERS.             475
consisting of Eleven Ships - 1 of 90 —9 of 74, and one
of 64 guns.
I am sorry to inform you that there is also intelligence of the settlement of Wyoming being cut off by
Coll. Butler with about 1000 Indians Tories & British
Troops. It is supposed that Carlisle will soon be the
frontier of this State as the inhabitants are flying in
from all quarters. About 200 inhabitants were scalped.
I must beg the favour of your presenting my most
respectful Compliments of Congratulation to his Excellencv and the family, especially my worthy friend
Harrison. I am, Dr Sir, With great regard,
Faithfully your friend,
Coll. Hamilton.             ELIAs BOUDINOT
FRoM GENERAL REED.
Fleming Town July  1778.
DEAR SIn,
I did not receive your Letter of the 3d. Inst. till
yesterday & then it came accompanied with the News
Paper from Trenton containing your Note to the Printer
respecting the Publication in his preceding Paper, I
cannot but feel myself exceedingly hurt by the Manner
in which you have treated this Matter while you supposed me the Author of the whole Publication. The
Terms of your Letter to say nothing of the Publication
seem to me to be such a Deviation not only from the
line of Friendship but even of Civility which I might
have expected from you as can only be excused by the
Embarrassments and Anxiety of your Situation. But
while I truly regret the Occasion I cannot discover the
Prudence or Wisdom of diminishing the Number of
your Friends at such a time, & especially those who
have Seats in Congress where alone you can expect to
have those " enormous Injuries " redress'd of which you
complain. The Additions & Corrections I made to the




476             THE LEE PAPERS.
Acct received from Gov. Livingston by the Printer were
made in such Haste that I did not pay so much
Attention to the Performance as I have since done; but
now upon a careful Perusal I am totally at a Loss to
discover where there is the least disrespectful Mention
of you or a Fact related from which a censorious
Enemy would have extracted an unfavorable Idea of
your Conduct I am very sure so far as my Pen was
concerned nothing of that kind was intended but the
reverse. Tho' not a soldier by Profession I have seen
enough of Armies to caution me against forming hasty
Judgments of Men or Actions from mere Report-tho'
I heard much therefore on that Day I suspended any
opinion, and if you will read the Paper with Attention,
which I cannot think you yet have done, I am sure you
will see a favourable Construction put on every Part of
your Conduct. When compared with the official Account since published by Congress it must appear even
to yourself to contain Matter of Praise & Approbation —It says that you did attack & drive the Enemy
for some Time & at last only retired toward the main
Army on Account of the Enemy's great Superiority of
Force-it made your Numbers short I believe of the
Reality but therefore more favourable to your Conduct.
— What does the Acet sanctified by public Authority
say, that you had 5000 instead of 1500 Men, that you
retreated without making any Opposition except by a
small Party under Col. Butler which was successful
& in short that your Conduct was Matter of Surprize
and Mortification to the Commander in Chief.-It is
admirable to every Person I have conversed with &
will be so to the whole world First, In what circumstance the first Publication was unfavorable to you& secondly, Why you should attempt to destroy the
Veracity of that Account and thereby fully establish
the Credit of one which must wound your Feelings so
sensibly.-Upon the whole I cannot admit that the
Epithets you have applied to it as invidious, dishonest
& false are by any Means proper & as you have only




THE LEE PAPERS.             477
made a general Charge without pointing out wherein it
is false & dishonest I cannot tell how much of this unhandsome Language I am to take to myself or whether
any. But this I can and shall say that the Additions
and Alterations I made were strictly true & founded
chiefly upon my own Observation-& you will excuse
me for differing entirely with you in supposing I could
possibly know nothing of the principal Part of the
Action as that I believe will be allowed to have been
after I met you from which Time till the Close of the
Affair I was with the General at his Desire or reconnoitering in Front but chiefly the former where all Intelligence came & from whence the Movements were
directed. —I am at a Loss to know what Individuals
you mean whom you censure as directing & giving
Opinions without Authority if you had any Reference
to Gen. Cadwallader & myself I shall not hesitate to
say the Charge is unwarrantable —as we gave no
Directions nor did we on any Occasion offer an Opinion
but when requested by the Commander in Chief. As
Gentlemen of the Country Cwe had a Right to attend
the Army as Volunteers & as Friends to the General
to attend him at his Desire' without being liable to
Censure for either.-That I entertained a very high
Opinion of your Talents and Abilities in common with
my Countrymen & that they were displayed much to
the Advantage of this Country & your own Honour
during our Retreat from Kingsbridge to Peeks Kiln in
1776 are Sentiments which I have on every occasion
express'd-& that in the Affair of Fort Washington,
Genl W. manifested an Indecision of Mind which if uncorrected would shade the brighter Parts of his Character are Facts equally true: but I can easily conceive
that more Experience & happier Arrangements may
have given.him greater Confidence in his Troops as well
as on his own Judgment for a long acquaintance
[The rest of this draft is lost]




4L:7-8           THE LEE PAPERS.
To GENERAL REED.
North Castle, July ye 22d, 1778.
Dn.. REED,
Tho' it may.appear somewhat paradoxical I must
say that your letter has fill'd me with astonishment,
anger, and pleasure-I am astonish'd that a Man of
your clear understanding shou'd have confus'd matters
so.- strangely as you seem to have done on the subject
of my letters to the Printer at Trenton, and to yourself. I am pleas'd in your having confirm'd me in the
opinion I had entertain'd of your regard and friendship,
and I am angry that you shou'd suppose me for a
single moment, capable of availing myself of some expressions You had made use of in a confidential letter,
to embroil you with a man that the publick interest
certainly and perhaps your personal concerns render it
necessary You shou'd be on good terms with-You
suppose I was fermented to an unusual warmth when I
wrote these two letters —but if you had consider'd
yourself cooly all circumstances, I am inclined to think
you wou'd have reason'd very differently —the fact is
this-at a moment when a most atrocious attack was
mrade on my fame and fortunes, a. printed letter was
put into my hands, containing (what I still assert to
be) an invidious, false, and dishonest relation of the
affair of the 28th —-stung to the quick, and knowing
enough of the-nature of mankind, that when rightly or
wrongly They are deeply prepossess'd, their pride or
obstinacy renders'em loath to be undeceiv'd, I thought
it prudent and incumbent to address this note, which it
seems has given such dreaclfull offence, to Mr Collinsthis step may, for aught I know, have been hasty -and
imprudent but I declare were it undone, I shou'd on
the coolest deliberation do it-after I had. wrote and
seal'd this note, I was told by several persons that you
were the Author-I wou'd not or cou'd not give credit
to the report-but however such was the uneasiness




THE LEE PAPERS.              4?9
that the bare possibility of its being a fact created in
me that I cou'd not rest without taking the most expeditious means of clearing up the point —for to my own
honour I must say it, that nothing equally shocks my
nature with the idea that those of whom I have once
form'd a high opinion, whose friendship I have courted
and flatter'd myself to have obtain'd, whose talents I
respect, and whose qualities I love, shou'd turn out the
reverse of what I thought'em-and I think you have
no reason to doubt that you stood in this state of relation to me —in this, if I may so express it, friendly agitation of uneasiness I wrote to you, and believe sent it
by the same hand as I did that to the Printer-When
I met you near Morris Town, you cleared up the point
infinitely to my satisfaction, and if anything further is
necessary to be said on the subject I most sincerely ask
both you and myself pardon for having for a single
instant harbour'd so offensive a notion. You tell me I
am much sunk in the public'esteem and confidenceall I can say in reply is, that if a Community for whom
I have sacrific'd everything can so rashly form conclusions they and not I are the immediate objects of.compassion —— You tell me this is a time I have occasion for
friends —as a Man of society I wish, and. ever shall wish,
for a number of Friends; the greater number, the more
the honour and pleasure-but if you mean Friends to
support my cause on the present occasion-I despise
the thought-I ask only for common justice-I know,
I am conscious that nothing but cabal artifice, power,
and iniquity can tarnish my name for a momentbut if They are to prevail, woe on the community as
to myself-imnpnaviducn ferient ruziwe.  No attack it
seems can be made on Gen. Washington, but it must recoil. on the assailant-I never entertained the most distant wish or intention of attacking Gen. Washington,
I have ever honour'd and respected him as a Man and
as a Citizen-but if the Circle which surrounds him chuse
to erect him into an infallible Divinity, I shall certainly
prove a Heretick, and if great as He is, he can be per



480              THE LEE PAPERS.
swaded to attempt wounding evry thing I ought to
hold dear, He must thank his Priests, if his Deityship
gets scratch'd in the scuffle —-When you say that I have
now put it out of the power of my Friends in and out
of Congress to offer a word in my defense upon my
honour I know not what you mean. I can only surmise
from it that my particular Friends have suffered their
minds to be carried away in the general torrent of delusion, raised by all the wicked arts that Hell can
prompt to its ministers. I repeat I demand nothing
from the Public but justice-that I have been grossly
villainously dealt with-and the dread of no power on
earth shall prevent me from -exposing the wickedness
of my Persecutors. I wish not to attack, but must, it
is my duty, to defend-and if this is thought dangerous
I must observe, that the blood and treasure expended
in this war has been expended in vain —as North and
Mansfield had they succeeded cou'd not possibly have
established a more odious Despotism —As to you My
Dr. Reed I still have all the reason possible to rank
you as I have ever done, one of the first in my esteem
and affection —and I flatter myself that when you are
better inform'd that good opinion you had of me will
rather be augmented than diminish'd.
C. LEE.




PUBLICATION FUND.
VoL II.-31








NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
FOUNDED I804.
THE PUBLICATION FUND.
THE NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY has established a fund
for the regular publication of its transactions and Collections in
American History. Publication is very justly regarded as one of-the
main instruments of usefulness in such institutions, and the amount
and value of what they contribute to the general'sum of human
knowledge through this agency, as a just criterion of their success.
To effect its object, the Society proposed to issue One Thousand
Scrip shares of TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS each. Each share is transferable on the books of the Fund, in the hands of the Treasurer, and
entitled the holder, his heirs, administrators or assigns, to receive:
I. INTEREST-Until the' Fund was complete, or sufficient, in the
opinion of the Trustees, to enable the publications to commence without impairing the principal thereof, interest on the
par value of his share or shares at the rate of five per cent.
per annum.
II. PUBLICATIONS-One copy of each and every publication made at
the expense of the Fund, amounting to not less than one Octavo
Volume of five hundred pages per annum.
The number of copies of these publications is strictly limited to
TWELVE HUNDRED and FIFTY —of which the Society receives for
corresponding Societies and exchanges for the increase of the Library,
TWO HUNDRED and FIFTY copies-but no copies are offered for sale
or disposition in any other manner by the Society.
The conditions of subscription included a pledge on the part of
the Society that the moneys received should be applied for these
purposes, and no other, and be invested solely in stocks of the United
States, the City and State of New-York, or on bond and mortgage,
and be held forever by the President, Recording Secretary, and
Treasurer of the Society, as Trustees (ex-officio) of the Publication
Fund.




484                 PUBLICATION FUND.
The first proposals for the establishment of this Fund were issued
in I858. Received with much less interest on the part of the members than was expected, its total amount up to I865 was so small as
to'suggest the necessity of abandoning tile scheme and returning the
amount of subscriptions and interest to the subscribers. An earnest
effort, however, in that year brought up the amount to a point which
gave the assurance of ultimate and not distant success.
Admonished by the universal change of values, which has taken
place within the past few years, and the necessity of increasing the,
amount of the Fund, the Society determined to terminate the issue
of shares at the original price, and to double the price of the remaining shares. Other measures are in view which promise to enhance
the value of the shares without failure in the full discharge of every
obligation to the shareholders, who will receive all its benefits without any additional contribution to the increased Fund.
Under the authority and direction of the Executive Committee,
the series of publications began with the volume for the year I868.
Interest still due upon any shares to January I, I868, will be
paid to shareholders on application to the Secretary to the Trustees
at the Library of the Society, Second Avenue, corner of Eleventh
Street, where the volume for the current year is also ready for distribution.
THOMAS DE WITT,
ANDREW WARNER,
BENJAMIN H. FIELD,
Trustees.
GEORGE H. MOORE,
Secretary to the Trustees.
**.Any person desiring to procure these publications, may pur
chase a share in the Publication Fund, by enclosing a check or draft
for FIFTY DOLLARS, payable to tho order of BENJAMIN H. FIELD,
Treasurer of the New-York Historical Society, for which the certificate
will -be immediately transmitted, with the volumes already ublished, as
the-purchaser may direct.:   Address GEORGE H. MOORE, Librarian of the Historical
Society, Second Avenue, corner of Eleventh St., New-York City.' NEW-YORK, December, I872.




ORIGINAL SUBSCRIBERS TO THE FUND,
SHARE                            SHARE
1. JAMES LENOX,    V Y. ACit.  35. WILLIAM B. CROSBY, N. Y. City
2.   SAME,                      36. HORATIO S. BROWN,
3.   SAME,                      37. JOHN A. HAR DENBERGH,  "
4.   SAME,             "        38. WILLIAM P. POWERS,    "
5.   SAME,                      39. SAMUEL MARSH,         "
6.   SAME,             "        40. WILLIAM H. 11. MOORE,'
7.   SAME,                      41. C. V. S. ROOSEVELT, "
8.   SAME,             "        42. ROBERT TOWNSEND, Albany.
9.   SAME,             "        43. DAVID THOMPSON,  N. Y. City,
10.   SAME,             "        44. JAMES STOKES,
11. JOHN B. MOREAU,     "        45. GEORGE C. PETERS,
12. HENRY T. DROWNE,    "        46. GEORGE T. TRIMBLE,
13. BENJAMIN H. FIELD,   "       47. WILLIAM CURTIS NOYES, "
14. THOMAS W. C. MOORE, "'       48. THOMAS SUFFERN,       "
15. GEORGE BANOROFT,    "        49. RICHARD H. BOWNE,
16. WILLIAM CHAUNCEY,   "        50. GEORGE H. PURSER,
17. CHARLES H. WARD,    "        51. JOHN H. CHAMBERS,  " 4
18. WILLIAM MENZIES,    "        52. GEORGE W. PRATT, "
19. J. WATTS DE PEYSTER, "       53. HENRY A. I1URLBUT,   4'
20. EDWIN CROSWELL,     "        54. AUGUST BELMONTT,'
21. EDWARD EVERETT, Boston, Mass. 55. GEORGE R. JACKSON,'
22. HORACE BINNEY, Phila., Pa.    56. CLEAYTON NEWBOLD,    "
23. FREDERIC DE PEYSTER, N. Y. City. 57. GEORGE BRUCE,
24. AUGUSTUS SCHELL,      "      58. F. A. PALMER,         "
25. ANDREW WARNER,        "      59. JOHN WARD,
26. GOUVERNEUR M. WILKINS, "     60. SAMUEL JAUDON,'
27. ERASTUS C. BENEDICT,   "     61. THOMAS T. STURGES,'~
28. JAMES SAVAGE, Boston, Mass.   62. JOHN REID,           (
29. S. ALOFSEN,      N. Y. City. 63. GUSTAVrs   SWAN,
80. ALBERT A. MARTIN,     "      64. MATTHEW CLARKSON,    "
31. WILLIAM B. CAMPBELL,  "      65. WILLIAM A. WHITE, Jr., "
32. JOHN ALSTYNE,         "      66. WM. M. HALSTEAD,'
33. JOHN  ARMSTRONG,      "      67. THOMAS DEWITT,
84. WM. L. CHAMBERLAIN,   "      68. CHARLES P. KIRRKLAD, 




486               SUBSCRIBERS TO TIHE FUND.
SHARE                             SHARI
69. H. G. LAWRENCE, N. Y. City. 112. S. WHITNEY PHNENIX, N.. cYity.
70. EDWARD F. DELANCEY, "        113.   SAME,
71. CYRUS CURTISS,        "      114.   SAME,
72. SHEPIHERD KNAPP,             115.   SAME
73. EDWARD DEWITT,        "      116.   SAME,
74. D. B. FAYERWEATHER,  "       117.   SAME, 
75. MARK HOYT,            "      118.   SAME,
76. CHARLEs M. CONNOLLY,"        119.   SAME,
77. CORNELIUS DuBoIS,    "       120.   SAME,
78. L. C. CLARK,          "      121.   SAME,
79. THOMNAS LAWRENCE,    "       122.   SAME,               "
80. DAVI Tr. VALENTINE,  "       123.   SAME, 
81. H'Y RUSSIPELL DROWNE,  "     124. J. B. BRIGHT, Waltham, Mass.
82. JOHN FOWLER.t Jr.,    "      125. ROBERT L. STUART, N. Y. City,
83. WILLIAM 1OWNE,   126.   SAME,
84. IIENRtY T. DRiOWNE,  127. ALEXANDER STUART,
85. NEHEMI AH KNIGHT, ABrookllyn.  128.   SAME,     "
86. WILLIAM S THOIRNE, NY. Y. ity. 129. GEORGE T. JACKSON,   "
87. ALEX'R MoL. AGNEW,  "        130. JOHN A. ANDERSON,
88. ROBERT C. GOODIIUE    "      131. CHARLES P. DALY,      "
89. GEORGE F. NESBITT,    "      132. EVERT A. DUYCKINCK, 
90. JOHN E. WOOL, Troy.          133. HENRY C. CARTER,
91. JOHN P. TREADWELL, New Mil- 134. ANDREW J. SMITH,
ford, Conn.                135. MATHIAS BLOODGOOD,   "
92. ISAAC FRYER,     N. Y. City. 136. J. ROMEYN BRODHEAD,
93. CHARLES J. MARTIN    "       137. JNO. A. MCALLISTER, Phila., Pa.
94. FRANKLIN F. RANDOLPH,"       138. NATH. W.  HUNT, N. Y. Cit':
95. SAMUEL COULTER,       "      139. THEO. S. PARKER, Hoboken, N.  J.
96. DAVID VAN NOSTRAND,"         140. WILLIAM M. BROWN, N. Y. City.
97. ADDISON G. BICKFORD, "       141. AND. BRowN, Middletown, N. J.
98. JONAS G. DUDLEY,      "      142. JOSEPiH B. VARNUM, N. Y. City.
99. THEODORUS B. TAYLOR, "      143. CHARLES B. COTTEN,
100. WILLIAM SCOTT,       "      144. ALVIN A. ALTVORD, 
101. DAVID SLOANE,        "      145. WM. HENRY ARNOUX,  "6
102. JOSEPH G. HARRISON,    "     146.   SAME,
103.   SAME,                      147.   SAME,
104.   SAME,              "       148.   SAME,'~
105.   SAME,               "      149. ALBERT SMITH, New Rochelle.
106. EDWARD WALKER,       "       150. M. C. MORGAN,    N. Y. City.
107. JOHN 0. HEWITT,       "      151. S. HOWLAND ROBBIN, 
108. CHARLES I. BUSHNELL,   "     152. FRANCIS BACON,
109. GILES F. BUSHNELL,    "     153. A. SPIERS BROWN,
110. JOHN C. CALHOUN,      "      154. GEORGE C. COLBUIRN,   "
111. THOMAS J. LEE, Boston, Mas.  155. JOHN CALVIN SMITH, ManlizUs.




SUBSCRIBERS TO THE FUND.                    487
SHARB                            SHARE
156. W. B. EAGER, JR., N. Y. City.  198. JOHN CASWELL,   N. Y. City
157. ISAAC J. GREENWOOD,  "       199. WILLIAM C. DORNIN,
158. FREDERIC R. FOWLER,  "       200. WILLIAM P. COOLEDGE, "
159. ANTHONY DEY, Jr.,     "      201. JOHN R. FORD,
160. SEYMOUR J. STRONG,           202. ISRAEL CORSE,
161. EBENEZER J. HYDE,'     203. DANIEL MORISON,
162. WILLIAM B. TAYLOR,   "      204. JOHN BRIDGE,
163. FERD. J. DREER, Phila., Pa.    205. WILSON G. HUNT,     "
164. AUG. TOETDEBERG, Brooklyn.   206. CHARLES H. SMITH,     "
165. CHARLES C. MOREAU, N. Y. City. 207. JOHN P. CROSBY,     "
166. CHARLES H. HART, Phila., Pa. 208. ERASTUS CORNING, Albany.
167. HENRY PHILLIPS, JR.,   "     209.   SAME,  
168. FRANCIS B. HAYES, Boston, ilfass. 210. JAMES B. COLGATE, N. Y. City
169. T. STAFFORD DROWNE, Brooklyn. 211. SAMUEL MARSH,
170. CORTLANDT DE PEYSTER FIELD, 212. EDWIN PARSONS,         "
N. Y. City.                213. ROBERT J. HUBBARD,
171. JOHN S. CRAIG,    N. Y. City. 214. J. WATTS DE PEYSTER,  "
172. CHARLES H. ROGERS,   "       215. JAMES A. RAYNOR,
173. MAURICE HILGER,       "      216. ROBERT J. LIVINGSTON,
174. E. A. BENEDICT,       "      217. JOHN C. BARRON,
175. WILLIAM EVERDELL,           218. HENRY K. BREWER,    "
176. GEo. R. DROWNE, Boston, Mass. 219. JOHN A. NEXSEN,
177. J. WATTS DE PEYSTER, N. Y. 220. MARSHALL 0. ROBERTS,
City.                      221. WILLIAM N. BLAKEMAN, 
178. JAMES B. ANDREWS, N. Y. City. 222. HERMAN C. ADAMS,
179. CONSTANT A. ANDREWS, "      223. THOMAS B. GUNNING,
180. LORING ANDREWS, JR.,  "     224. ABRAHAM BOGARDUS,
181.'VALTER S. ANDREWS,   "     225. JOHN E. LAUER,
182. CLARENCE ANDREWS,   "        226. E. M. CRAWFORD,
183. WILLIAM L. ANDREWS   "      227. JAMES C. HTOLDEN,     4
184.   SAME,               "     228. SAMUEL COLGATE,.
185. JOHN ARMSTRONG,       "     229. WILLIAM B. Ross,
186. PAUL K. WEIZEL, B'k/ln, N. Y. 230. WILLIAM K. HINMAN,   "
187. JOHN F. MOCoy,   N. Y. City. 231. JOHN W. QUINCY,
188. JOSEPH B. HOYT,      "      232. JAMES M. BRUCE,
189. JAMES BENEDICT,       "     233. MISS ANNIE MOREAU,   "
190. J. NELSON TAPPAN      "     234. LEWIS HALLOCK,
191. FRANCIS WIGAND,             235. THE LIBRARY OF THE CITY OF"
192. C. H. TSHAM,          "            AMSTERDAM,   Amsterdam,
193. D. B. FAYRRWEATHER,  N" etherlands.
194. JOHN A. HARDENBERGH, "      236. MRS: ANNA BOYNTON, X. Y..
195. J. W. WEIDMEYER,     "             City.
196. EDWIN FAXON,  Boston, Mass. 287. RUFUs D. CASE,   Y. Y. City,
197. F. A. GALE,     N. Y. City. 238. CYRUS BUTLER,




488              SUBSCRIBERS TO THE FUND.
SHARE                            SHARE
239. RICHARD S. FIELD, Princeton, 276. JOHN L. RrKER,   N. Y. City,
N. J.                     277. WALTER R. T. JONES,  "
240. A. O. ZABRISKIE, Jersey City, 278. CLAUDIUS L. MONELL,   "
N. J.                     279. BYAM:K. STEVENS, JR., "
241. MICHAEL LIENAU, Jersey City, 280. FRANCIS MANY,':
N. J.                      281. HENRY M. TABER,
242. WILLIAM A. WHITEHEAD, New- 282. T. M. PETERS, 
ark, N. J.          5     283. JOHN B. CORNELL,     "
243. SIMEON DRAPER, N. Y. City.   284.. ALOFSEN, 
244. FREEMAN M. JOSSELYN, Boston, 285.   SAME,
mass.                     286. ROBERT B. MINTURN, Jr.,'
245. THEODORE W. RILEY, N. Y. City. 287. GEORGE TUGNOT,
246. JOHN BOYD, Jr.,      "      288. RUFUS S. BERGEN, Green Point.
247, GEORGE K. SISTARE,    "     289. BENJ'N W. BONNEY: N. Y. City.
248. J. WARREN S. DEY,    "      290. BENJ'N W. BONNEY, JR., "
249. WILLIAM H. BRIDGMAN, "      291. JOHN S. H. FOGG, Boston, Mlass.
250. ANSON PHELPS STOKES, "      292. JOHN H. WRIGHT,
251. WILLIAM C. MARTIN,    "     293. WILLIAM WOOD,  N. Y. -City.
252. A. ROBERTSON WALSH,  "      294. F. G. VAN WOERT,     "
253. JOSEPH A. SPRAGUE,    "     295. ALEX'R T. STEWART,   "
254. CHARLES A. PEABODY,  "      296. JOHN B. CRONIN.
255. WILLIAM H. MORRELL,  "      297. GEORGF D. MORGAN,   "
256. JOHN V. L. PRUYN, Abany,N.. 298. HOMER TILTON, 
267. FREDERICK JAMES DE PEYSTER, 299. SAMUEL FROST,
N. Y. City.               300.   SAME, 
258. WILLIAM H. MACY, N. Y. City. 301. JAMES H. PINKNEY,    S
259. THOMAS PATON,        "      302. WILLIAM T. PINKNEY,'C
260.' DAVID STEWART,      "      303. CHARLES H. PHILLIPS, 
261. DAVID STEWART, Jr.,   "     304. JAMES EAGER,         "
262. JOHN E, WILLIAMS,    "      305. WILLIAM UNDEPRHILL,   4
263. JOHN P. TOWNSEND,    "      306. JOHN D. CLUTE,       "
264. WILLIAM H. MORRELL,  "      307. ABRAHAM B. EMBURY,'$
265. HOMER MORGAN,        "      308. CHARLES L. RICHARDS,
266. JOHN ARMSTRONG,      "      309. WILLIAM BEARD,
267.   SAME,'      310. JAMES H. WELLES, "
268.   SAME,'      311. JOHN GALLIER,        "
269.   SAME,              "      312. CHARLES LE BOUTILLIER,"
270. N. NORRIS HALSTEAD, Harri- 313. THOMAS LE BOUTILLIER,"
son, Hudson Co., N. J.    314. JOHN G. LAMBERSON,
271. WM. C. TALLMADGE, N. Y. City, 315. RUSSELL C. ROOT,
272. HOWARD CROSBY,       "      316. CLARKSON OROLIUS,    "
273. MRS. MARY E. BROOKS, "      317. WILLIAM MURPHY, Chappaquza.
274. EDWARD HODGES,       "      318. DANIEL T. WILLETS, N. Y. City
575, ROBERT W, RODMAN,'       319. CHARLES GOULD, "




SUBSCRIBERS TO THE FUND.                   489
SHARE                            SHARE
320. JOHN B. BARTLETT, N. Y. City. 362. MAXIMILIAN RADER, N. Y. City
321. MATHIAS CLARK,       "      363. J. HOBART HERRIoK,
322. ROBERT M. ROBERTS,   "      364. Louis P. 4GRIFFITH,'"
323. JAs. HAsBROICuK SAHLER, "   365. BARROw BENRIMO,       "'324. FREDERIO DB PEYSTER,  "    366. EDWARD F. DELANOEY 
823.   SAME,              (      3 867. SAMUEL L. BREERE,   "
326.   SAME,                     368. D. HENRY HAIGHT)      "
32-7. JOHN J. LATTING,    "      369. JOHN ADRIANOE, 
328. DAVID BUFFUM,        "      370.   SAME,               C
829. F. H. PARKER,        "      371. JOSEPH W. ALSOP,    4"
830. GEORGE W. THOMPSON, "       372. HENRY CHAINEY, 
331. THOMAS F. YOUNGS,    "      373. FREDERICK CHAUNCEY,  "
332. OLIVER G. BARTON,'      374. WILLIAM HABIRSHAW,  "
833. ABR&M E. CUTTER, Cha'rlestown, 375. HENRY A. HEISER,;;
Mass.                      376. WILLIAM H. JACKSON,  "
334. WILLIAM E. LEWIS, N. Y. City. 377. ELIJAH T. BROWN,
335. JOHN H. JOHNSTON     "      378. HENRY K. BOGERT,      "
336. WILLIAM B. CLERKE,         8379. ADDISON BRowN, 
337. JOHN C. CONNOR,      "      380. ERNEST FIEDLER,
338. HENRY T. MORGAN,     "      381. J. WATTS DE PEYSTER,
839. ABRAM A. LEGGETT,    "      382. WILLIAM REMSEN,       "
340. JAMES DAVETT,        "      383. WALTER M. UNDERHILL, "
341. ERASTUS S. BROWN,    "      384. SAMUEL W. FRANCIS,   "
342. ASHER TAYLOR,        "      385. GEORGE LIVERMORE, Ca mbridge,
343.- EDWARD BILL,                                       M1ass.
344. WILLIAM H. TUTHILL, Tipton, 386.   SAME,               "
Cedar Co., Iowa.          387.   SAME,       "
345. HENRY S. TERBELL, N. Y. City. 388.   SAME,
346. GEORGE W. ABBE,      "      389. JOHN F. GRAY,    N. Y. City
347. SIDNEY MASON,        "      390. HENRY G. GRIFFEN,
348. CHARLES SHIELDS,     "      391. TIIOMAS S. BERRY, "
349. GEORGE B. DORR,      "      392. CALVIN DURAND,        "
350. GARDINER PIKE,       "      393. ROBERT B. MINTURSN, 
351. JOHN C. BEATTY,      "      394. F. A. P. BARNARD,     "
352. LORA B. BACON,       "      395. WILLIAM BRYCE,        4
353. CHARLES H. LUDINGTON, "     396. JAMES BRYCE,;
354. JAMES BROWN,         "      397. AUGUSTUS BELKNAP,
355. CHARLES O'CONOR,     "      398. ANDREW WILSON,        "
356. CHARLES B. COLLINS,   "     399. WILLIAM J. VAN DUS.R, "
357. JOHN H. WRIGHT, Boston, 2Jass. 400. JOHN C. HAVEMEYER,  "
358. WM. S. CONSTANT, N. Y. City. 401. JOHN T. AGNEW,
359. GEO. W. WALES, Boston, Mass. 402.   SAME,              "
360. JoiN L. DEEN,    N. Y. City. 403. CHARLES E. BEEBE,    "
361. T. iMATLACK CHEESMAN, "     404. NATHANIEL W. CHATER, "




490              SUBSCRIBERS TO THE FUND.
SHARE                           SHARE
405. GEORGE 0. COLLINS, N. Y. City. 447. W1LLIAM B. TAYLOR, JR., N. YF
406. WILLIAM H. GOODWIN, "             City.
407. Cn&iLsEs G. HARMER,   "    448. WILLIAM V. BRADY,
408. WILLIAM HEGEMAN,    "      449. OLIVER HOYT,
409. PETER V. KING,      "      450. CHARLES W. LECOUR,  "
410. GEORGE W. LANE,     "      451. JOHN H. SWIFT,       "
411. LouIS F. THERASSON,   "    452. HUGH N. CAMP, 
412. HENRY F. SEWALL,    "      453. W. WOOLSEY WRIGHT, "
413. Miss ELIZABETH CLARKSON JAY, 454. JED FRYE,         - 
X  Y. City. 455. HENRY OWEN,         4
414. WILLIAM E. DODGE,    "     456. WILLIAM A. YOUNG,   A lbcany,
415. WILLIAM E. DODGE, JR., "   457. JOHN BUCKLEY, JR., N. Y. City
416. GEORGE W. ROBINS,    "     458. D. RANDOLPH MARTIN, "
417. JOHN D. LOCKE,      "      459. SAMUEL L. M. BARLOW, "
418. JOHN MCKESSON,      "      460. E. W. RYERSON,       "
419. RICHARD M. HOE,     "      461. SAMUEL SHETHAR,      "
420. ROBERT HOE,.    -"        462. GEO. BRINLEY, Hartford, Conn.
421. PETER S. HOE,        "     463. AUGUSTUS F. SMITH, N. Y. City.
422. AUGUSTUS W. PAYNE,  "      464. WILLIAM H. HURLBUT, "
423. WILLIAM OOTHOUT,    "      465. HENRY A. HURLBUT,   "
424. EDWARD OOTHOUT,    "       466. MRS. SOPHIE H. SCOTT, "
425. EDWARD F. HOPKINS,   "     467. THE N. Y. SOCIETY LIBRARY,
426. DAVID E. WHEELER,   "                 YoNew Bork City,
427. JOHN H. SPRiAGUE,    "     468. THOMAS K. MAROY, IV.. Y. City.
428. THEODORE VAN NORDEN,"      469. JAs. Y. SMITH, Providence, IP. I.
429. GEORGE DE HEART G:ILLESPIE, 470. WM. B. BOLLES, Astoria, 2. Y.
N. Y. City. 471. GOUV. MORRIS WILKINS, Neqw
430. BENJAMIN G. ARNOLD,  "            York City.
431. CORIDON A. ALVORD,   "     472. JAMES T. FIELDS, Boston, Mass.
432.   SAME,              "     473. HoRA(CE P. BIDDLE, Logansport,
433.   SAME,             "             Indiana.
484.   SAME,              "     474. A. L. ROACHE,'Indianaolis, In.
435. J. OTIS WARD,       "             diana.
486. JAMES LENOX,         "     475. Miss ELIZA S. QUINCY, Quincy,
437.   SAME,'"             Mass.
438. JABEZ E. MUNSELL,    "     476. ALFRED BROOKES, N. Y. City.
439. ARNOLD C. HAWES,    "      477. HENRY YOUNGS, Jr.,  Goshen.
440. JACOB W. FEETER,    "      478. JEREMIAH LODER,      "
441. DANIEL SPRING,      "      479. THOMAS H. ARMSTRON, "
442. JOHN C. G#REEN,      "     480. WILLIAM C. BRYANT,   "
443. DAVID L. HOLDEN,'     481. MATTHEW P. READ,    "
444. JOSEPH W. PATTERSON, "     482. MANNING M. KNAPP, Hacken
445. GORDON W. BURNHAM, "              sack, N. J.
446. SAMUEL WILDE, JR.,    "    483. LOCKwooD I,. DOTY, Albany.




SUBSCRIBERS TO THE FUND.                   491
81ARlI                           SHARE
*84. WALTER L. NEWBERRY, Chicago, 524. EDWIN HoYT,     N. Y. City
Illinois.                  525. JOHN VAN NEST,
485. HAMILTON FISH, Ne~w York City. 526. CLINTON GILBERT,
486. WM. B. TOWNE, Boston, Mass. 527. J. CAisoN BREVOORT, Brooklyn.
487.   SAME,              "      528.   SAME,
488.   SAME,              "      529. ISAAC D. RUSSELL, N. Y. City.
489.   SAME,              "      530. HENRY OOTHOUT,
490. SIDNEY W. DIBBLE, N. Y. City. 531. ALEXANDER P. IRVIN,
491. CHARLES J. SEYMOUR, Bing- 532. BERIAH PALMER,
hamton, X. Y.              533. ROBERT SCHELL,
492. D. A. MCKNIGHT,    Kansas 534. ALFRED T. ACKERT, Rhinebeck.
City, Mo.                  535. JOHN H. WATSON, N. Y. City.
493. CHas. H. HOUSMAN, N. Y. City. 536. ABRAHAM BALDWIN,
494. JAMES M. CHICHESTER, "      537. EZRA A. HAYT,
495. WILLIAM W. GREENE,  "       538. WILLIAM L. LAMBERT,
496. FRANCIS F. DORR,     "      539. CHARLES S. SMITH,
497. CHARLES W. WHITNEY, "       540. CHARLES A. MACY, 
498. ROBERT D. HART,      "      541. SAMUBL RAYNOR
499. GEORGE H. MATHEWS,  "       542. LUCIUS TUCKERMAN,
500. THOMAS ADDIS EMMET, "       543. WILLIAM BETTS,
501. ANDREW J. SMITH,            544. WILLIAM K. STRONG     "
502. WILLIAM D. MAXWELL, "       545. JOHN D. JONES,
503. CHARLES A. MACY, Jr., "     546.   SAME,
504. THOMAS W. FIELD,     "      547. THOMAS C. DOREMUS,
505. CHARLES  GORHAM   BARNEY, 548. RUDOLPH  A. WITTHAUS, Jr.,
Richmond, IVa.                   N. Y. City.
506. BENJ. B. ATTERBURY, N. Y. City. 549. FRED'K W. MACY, N..: City,
507. RICHARD W. ROCHE,   "       550. JOSEPH N. IRELAND,    "
508. THOMAS H. MORRELL,  "       551. WILLIAM NMONTROSS,    "
509. SMITH BARKER,        "      552. SAMUEL R. MABBATT,   "
510. EVERARDUS B. WARNER,  "     55. JACOB S. ~WETMORE,
511. AUGUSTus T. FRANCIS,  "     554. MARVELLE W. COOPER, ~
512. WM. A. SLINGERLAND,   "     555. ABRAHAM M. COZZENS,  ('
513. RILEY A. BRICK,      "      556. JACOB VAN WAGENEN1, 
514.   SAME,              "      557. JOHN H. RIKER,
515. WALTER M. SMITH,     "      558 WM. ALEXANDER SMITH, "
516. HENRY ELSWORTH,      "      559. GEORGE DIXON, Jr.,    "
517. JOHN HECKER,         "      560. HAMILTON ODELL, 
518. WARREN WARD,         "      561. CHARLES B. RIoHARDSON, 
519. CHARLES G. JUDSON,   "      562. HORATIO NICHIOLS
520. J. MEREDITH READ, JR., Albany. 563. GEORGE T. HALL,
521, JOHN H. VAN ANTWERP, "    564. HENRY A. BURR,          "
522. WM. M. VAN WAGENEN,  "    565. FRANKLIN Hf. DELANO, 
523. WM. T. RYERSON, N. Y. City. 566. JAMES M. DEUEL,




492              SUBSCRIBERS TO THE FUND.
SHARE                            SHARE
567. RICHARD IRVIN, Jr., N. Y. City. 609. PARKER HANDY,  N. Y. Citjy
568. DUDLEY B. FULLER,    "      610. GEORGE GRISWOLD,      "
569. HENRY A. SMYTHE,     "      611. WILLARD PARKER,       "
570. JOSIAH S. LEVERETT,   "     612. ALEX'R W. BRADFORD,'5
571. JOHN S. DAVENPORT,   "      613. BENJAMIN L. BENSON,
572. BRONSON PECK,        "      614. EDWARD SCHELL,'
573. WILLIAM A. ALLEN,    "      615. A. B. KELLOGGS, 
574. WILLIAM DOWD,        "      616. JOSEPH O. BROWN, 
575. DAVID L. BAKER,      "      617. E. B. OAKLEY,         "
576. JOHN G. SHEA,        "      618. NATHANIEL JARVIS, Jr.,,"
577. CLARKSON N. POTTER.  "      619. DAVID S. DUNCOMB,    "
578. DAVID D. FIELD,      "      620. AUGUSTUS K. GARDNER, "
579. WILLIAM H. APPLETON, "      621. L. BAYARD SMITH,
580. SAMUEL JT. TILDEN,   "      622. LOUIS DE V. WILDER,   "
581. JAMES W. GERARD.     "      623. WILIIAM E. BIRD,      "
582. TIMOTHY G. CHURCHILL, "     624. FRANKLIN B. HOUGH, Lowville.
583. PARKER HANDY,        "      625. THOMAS P. ROWE, N. Y. city.
584. NATHANIEL HAYDEN,   "       626. SAMUEL OSGOOD,
585. JOHN G. HOLBROOKE,   "      627. CHARLES A. MEIGS,
586. ROBERT B. MOCURDY,  "       628. EDWARD H. PURDY,    "
587. RUSH C. HAWKINS,     "      629. JOSEPH F. JOY,        "
588. L. M. FERRIS, Jr.,   "      630. HEZEKIAH KING, 
589. THEO. ROOSEVELT,     "      631. HORACE W. FULLER,    "
590. J. BUTLER WRIGHT,    "      632. WILLIAM H. POST,      "
591. GEORGE PALEN,        "      633. EDWARD D. BUTLER,   "
592. GEORGE GRISWOLD,     "      634. HENRY B. DAWSON, Miorrisania.
598. 0. D. MUNN,                 635. ALMON W. GRISWOLD, N. Y. City.
594. FRANK MOORE,         "      636. S. TOWNSEND CANNON, "
595. WILLIAM H. LEE,      "      637. THEODORE M. BARNES,  "
596. H. P. CROZIER.       "      638. JOEL MUNSELL, Albany.
597. HENRY E. CLARK,      "      639.   SAME,
598. JACKSON S. SCHULTZ,   "     640. THOMAS A. BISHOP, X. Y. City.
599. JOHN  CARTER BROWN, Prov- 641.   SAME,
idence, R.I.               642. NICHOLAS F. PALMER,  "
600. JOHN CARTER BROWN, 2d, Prov- 643. J3. L. LEONARD, Lowville.
idence, R. L               644. DAVID C. HALSTEAD, N. Y. City.
601. PELEG HALL,      N. Y. City. 645. THOMAS MORTON,
602. CHARLES L. ANTHONY,  "      646. J. F. SHEAFE,
603. GEORGE W. HALL,      "      647. HENRY A. BOSTWIOK,   "
604. J. T. LEAVITT,              648. HIRAM D. DATER, 
605. JOSEPH HOWLAND, Matteawan.  649. GEORGE H. WILLIAMS,  "
606. JOHN W. MUNRO,   N. Y. City. 650. 0. W. REYNOLDS,
607. PARKER HANDY,'     651. SILVANUS J. MACY,    "'
608.   SAME,              "      652. HENRY J. SoUDER,    "




SUBSCRIBERS TO THE FUND.                  493
SHARE                           SHARE
653. N. W. STUYVESANT CATLIN, N. 693. EVERARDUS WARNER, N. Y. Citj.
Y. Cit y.                694. GEORGE C. EYLAND,
654. H. TRACY ARNOLD, N. Y. City. 695. 0. F. HARDON,
655. BENJAMIN R. WINTHROP, "    696. F. WILEY,
656.   SAME,             "      697. ALEXANDER WILEY,
657. BENJ. R. WINTHROP, Jr.,"   698. JOHN W. SCOTT, A8torta.
658. EGERTON L. WINTHROP, N. Y. 699. EDWARD ANTHONY, N. Y. City
City.                    700. CHAUNOEY P. SMITH, Wolcott.
659. FRANKLIN EDSON, Albany.    701. H'Y CAMERDEN, JR., N. Y. City.
660. ROBERT C. MELVAIN, N. Y. CitY. 702. GEORGE BANCROFT,
661. ARCHIBALD RUSSELL,   "     703. ABRAHAM R. WARNER, "
662. WILLUAM  I. PAULDING, -Cold 704. JAMES W. PURDY,    SUfeTr
Spring.                  705. CnAS. CONGDON, B'klyn, N. Y.
663. JOHN ROMEYN BRODHEAD, N. Y. 706. LONG ISLAND HISTORICAL SOcICity.,ETY, Brooklyn, N. Y.
664. JoHN L. KENNIN,  N. Y. City. 707. BROOKLYN MERCANTILE LIBRARY
665. JAMES STOKES, Jr.,  "            ASSOCIATION, Brooklyn, N. Y.,66. JOHm  A. RUSSEL,    "      708. NEW BEDFORD FREE LIBRARY,
667. ER M. WRIGHT,.'              New Bedford,  a8ss.
668. EVERARDUS WARNEI,   "      709. JOHN DAVID WOLFE, N. Y. City.
669.. EVERARDUS B. WARNER, "    710. Miss C. L. WOLFE,   "
670. JOHN 0. HEWITT,     "      711. GEORG]E W. COOK,    "
671. PETER STRYKER, Phila., Pa.   712. JAMES L. WOODWARD,
672. WILSON M. POWELL, N. Y. City. 713. WILLIAM  FREDERICK  POOrL1
673. SAMUEL H. BROWN,    "            Boston, Masq.
674. ELLSWORTH ELIOT.    "      714. BENJAMIN H. FIELD, N. Y. City.
675. JoEN T. KLOTS,      "      715. CORTLANDT DE PEYSTER FIELD)
676. CHARLES H. DUMMER,  "            N. Y. City.
677. HENRY D. BULKLEY,'      716. JOHN FITOH,     N. Y. City.
678. J. K. HAMILTON WILLOOX, "  717.   SAME,
679. APPLETON STURGIS,    "     718. F. AUGUSTUS WOOD,
680. WILLIAM T. SALTER,   "     719. JOHN H. DILLINGUAM, HaverP
681. WILLIAM ROOCKWELL,   "           ford College, Pa.
682. E. H. JANES,        "      720. F. AUGUSTUS WOOD, N.. City.,
683. THOMAS B. NEWBY,    "      721. CHARLES A. PEABODY,  "
684. Lous DE V. WILDER,   "     722. EDWIN F. COREY, Jr.,'
685.   SAME,             "      723. JOH.N G. LAMBERSON,'c
686.. SAMUEL COULTER,           724.. SAME,
687. RALPH CLARK,        "      725. JOHN E. PARSONS,
688. THOMEAS F. DR VoB,   "     726. GRATZ NATHAN,
689. JOHN GROSHON,       "      727. B. F. DE COSTA,
60.. S. L. BOARDMAN, Augusta,:Me. 728. HENRY 0. POTTER, N
691. OHARLrES J. FOLSOM, N. Y. City. 729. HENRY NIOOLL,
6i92. GEORGE FOLSOM,     "      730. GEOGE E. MOOR",'




494               SUBSCRIBERS TO'THE FUND.
SHARE                            SHARE
731. JOHN F. TROW,    N. A City. 743. GEORGE H. MOORE, N. Y. City.
732.    SAME,              "     744.    SAME,
733.    SAME,              "     745.    SAME,
734.    SAME,              "     746.    SAME,
735.    SAME,              "     747.    SAME,       "
736.    SAME,                    748.     SAME, "
737.    SAME,              "     749.    SAME,
738.    SAME,              "     750.     SAME, 
739.    SAME,              "     751. WILLIAM J. HoPPIN,    "
740.    SAME,              "     752. JAMES W. BEEMA,    "
741. GEORGE H. MOORE,      "     753. JOSEPH F. LOUBAT,     "
742.    SAME,              "     754. CARLISLE NORWOOD, JR. "
SHAREHOLDERS BY TRANSFERS TO DECEMBER, 1872.
SHARE                           sHA
41. JAMES A. ROOSEVELT, N. Y. City. 470. WILLIAM BOLLES HALSEY, N. Y.
94. GEORGE H. MOORE,      "            City.
111. J. K. WIGGIN, Boston, Mass.    508. JOSEPH SABIN, N. Y. City.
150. GEORGE H. PEEKE, Jersey City, 532. NATHAN B. WALKER, "
N. J.                       643. TnHE TRUSTEES OF THE LOW167. JOHN H. THOMPsoN, N. Y. City.     VILLE ACADEMY.
174. LUCIE P. BENEDICT,    "     670. WM. P. PRENTICE, N. Y. City.
187. J. K. WIGGIN, Boston, Mass.   684. EDWARD C. WILDER,
284. SAMUEL C. BLACKWELL, Somer- 685. C. V. B. OSTRANDER,   "
ville, N. J.               714. JOHN EVERITT,          "
321. SAMUEL Y. CLARK, N.; City. 716. JAMES M. HUNT,
858. ROBERT S. MILLER,     "     719. HAVERFORD COLLEGE LIBRARY,
426. EVERETT P. WHEELER, ".Haverford College, Pa.
450. EUGOENE H. LECOUR.    "     727. DAVID G. FRANCIS, N. Y. City.




FOR INDEX-SEE SUBSEQUENT VOLUME.