Lee, Charles (1731-1782) to unknown
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05264.03 Author/Creator: Lee, Charles (1731-1782) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 April 1779 Pagination: 2 p. ; 31 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Has heard a report that the recipient has received a letter from Doctor Griffith stating that Lee, following his court martial, was persuaded "by some members of Congress to embarrass General Washington." Wishes to know if any such letter really came from Griffith, and assures the recipient that no such events actually happened. Wonders if General Thomas Conway is somehow involved in these affairs. Though the Conway Cabal was over, Conway continued his personal attacks on Washington long afterward.
Charles Lee was a General in the Continental Army. He desired to take Washington's place as the Commander in Chief of that army. Following a court martial for insubordination, he did resort to a number of personal attacks on General Washington.
Thomas Conway was a General in the Continental Army. His desire for promotion and disrespect for General Washington led to a dispute with the Commander in Chief. He became viewed as part of a larger plot against the General, known as the Conway Cabal.
Philadelphia April ye 8th 1779
Sir -
Major Mercer is just arrivd from Virginia, and informs me of a circumstance that I confess astonishes to me so great a degree that I can scarcely think it credible_I am rather apt [stuck: clear] [inserted: clear] headed and accurate as I know him to be to believe that He must have [inserted: mis] understand the matter He tells me that ya had receivd and read to several of your acquaintance a letter from Doctor Griffith, the purpose of which was in [struck: the] [inserted: by] a tete a tete conversation subsequent to the Court Martial I had assurd him that it had been recommended to me by some members of Congress to embarrass General Washingtons measures as much as possible. I am writting to think well of Doctor Griffith_ I shall not, I cannot believe him capable of 10 damnable a falshood and I hope ya will not take it ill, if as a Gentleman, I request ya to satisfy me on the truth of this point_ I shou'd be sorry to find the [sarcasstik] observation of General Conway on this Gentlemans character verifd [text loss] [2] He is 'a led Cridence, to be producd on evry [pinching] occasion 'be this as it may_ I hope He has not been guilty of so black a villainy and I once more entrust, ya as a Gentleman and as a Soldier_to clear up the matter-
who desire ya to be with me to be your
most Obedt humble Servt-
Charles Lee
Be so kind as to direct your answer to me in Mrs Houses -
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