Lee, Henry (1756-1818) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05883 Author/Creator: Lee, Henry (1756-1818) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 April 1793 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 22.3 x 18.3 cm. Order a Copy
Says his proposed trip across the Atlantic must take place soon. Is at a loss to describe the situation in France. Hopes Knox can send him information. Wants his intentions kept secret though. Asks "is there any danger in passing the Atlantic in an American bottom?" Writes, "I hate a jail & dislike the idea of captivity." Says he wrote to Knox yesterday and enclosed intelligence on the Indians. He also asked for the money promised his state in that letter.
This letter could be in reference to Lee feeling cheated out of the appointment to command the army against the Northwest Indians. Lee considered joining the French Revolutionaries in 1793, but was later talked out of it by Washington.
30th April 93
Richmond
My dear Sir:
My projected trip across the atlantic must soon take place or be relinquished.
I am extremely at a loss to know the real situation of the French
any material information you may be able to obtain & furnish touch[text loss: es] their internal tranquility, their resources & their [text loss] of sustenance independent of foreign supplys will be most acceptable to me
Should I not be deterred by conviction of [2] French unworthiness or inability I mean to go next month & shall embark I believe from Norfolk.
My intention I wish to be held secret
Pray is there any danger [struck: of] in passing the atlantic in an American bottom.
I hate a jail & dislike the idea of captivity.
I wrote to you yesterday enclosing more indian intelligence & prayed for our money - Regard my prayer
Yours truely
Henry Lee
How is Mrs Knox; how [miss] A.
[docket]
1793
30th April Genl Lee
answered the 13th
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