Lee, Francis Lightfoot (1734-1797) to Mann Page
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04368 Author/Creator: Lee, Francis Lightfoot (1734-1797) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Letter Date: 15 July 1777 Pagination: 2 p. ; 20.5 x 16.0 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Lee as Virginia delegate to Continental Congress and signer of the Declaration of Independence to Page also as a Virginia delegate to Congress. Reports the fall of Fort Ticonderoga. Mentions letters from General Arthur St. Clair updating the evacuation of the fort. Lee says he does not know the reason for St. Clair's withdraw, but it was because Burgoyne's army of 9,000 troops greatly outnumbered St. Clair's army of 2,500. Says Burgoyne is moving down to Albany and that "the whole country [is] in consternation." Claims that the commander of the Northern Department, General Philip Schuyler, is also infected with fear. Says that Burgoyne has threatened "fire & sword, death, desolation and destruction to all who resist," but mercy to those who submit. Describes Burgoyne's hubris as laughable to anyone "with the spirit of a flea." Says that Schuyler is worried about it, but "I think Burgoyne's flighty folly, will lead him to his ruin." Says he will travel too far into the country and overextend himself. Lee's predictions proved prescient when American forces, under General Horatio Gates (who replaced Schuyler), defeated Burgoyne at Saratoga in October 1777.
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