Lee, Richard Henry (1732-1794) to Thomas Ludwell Lee
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04809 Author/Creator: Lee, Richard Henry (1732-1794) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 May 1776 Pagination: 2 p. ; 32.4 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Richard Henry Lee as Continental Congressman from Virginia to his brother Thomas Lee. Says he is busy because he has a committee meeting with Generals Washington, Gates, and Mifflin on "the operations of their Campaign." Says he cannot write to many of his friends at this time and asks to be remembered to Colonel Mason. Mentions that Colonel Nelson has not arrived yet. Says he will leave for home in a day or two, rest up, and then attend the Convention at Williamsburg. Says "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." This is a reference to the preamble and resolution of the Virginia Constitutional Convention. Mentions captured prize vessels. One is worth 50,000 pounds. Haven't heard from the Canadian front in some time. Hopes the news is better than the last he heard. Hopes the death of the King of Portugal will lead to favorable conditions for the Americans. Says "let no consideration interrupt your attention to the making of Common Salt, Salt Petre, Arms, and all sorts of useful manufacture." Postscript says their brothers, William and Arthur, in London are well. Also writes General Lee by this post and asks Thomas to forward it to him. Postscript signed in initials.
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