Lee, Francis Lightfoot (1734-1797) to Patrick Henry
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04807 Author/Creator: Lee, Francis Lightfoot (1734-1797) Place Written: Yorktown, Pennsylvania Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: 23 March 1778 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 32.7 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Co-signed by Banister and free franked in his name. Requests that Congress send new troops to camp without delay. Warns that the Continental army is weak and that it is likely the British will attempt an attack before reinforcements come. Also urgently requests supplies. Writes that he has heard that the British troops in Rhode Island have set out to join General William Howe. States that if this is true, " ... the Enemy will open the Campaign with great advantage over us." Post script advises that General George Washington has been notified by General William Smallwood that a fleet of vessels passed by Wilmington, Delaware apparently to forage near the Potomac. Addressed to Henry as Governor of Virginia.
York-Town Pennsylvania 23. March. 78.
Nothing of Moment having occurred since Col: Lee's last letter, we have only to communicate the Ernest desire of Congress that our new Levies of Troops may be sent forward to Camp with the utmost Expedition. The Necessity of pushing this business with vigour arises from the present weakness of our Army, and the great Probability of the Enemy's taking the Field early with augmented Force and overruning the Country, or attempting some thing decisive against our Army before it is reinforced. The next grand Object is to secure all the Provision that can be engaged for the Troops, as many disappointments & difficulties have intervened to lessen the Prospect of the abundant supplies that we expected. Col. Harrison's Regiment of artillery is much wanted at Camp & Congress wishes them to march immediately. It is reported, and, we fear, not without Foundation, that the Troops at Rhode Island have embarked with an Intention [insert: of] joining Gen.l Howe. If this is the Case, without the greatest (Exertions) [2] it is much to be apprehended the Enemy will open the Campaign with great advantage over us. We are with the highest Respect
your Excellency's mo. obed. Servant
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Banister
P.S. Since writing the above, General Smallwood mentions in a letter to General Washington that a fleet of Vessels, Ships, &c&c. amounting to near an hundred had passed by Wilmington & anchored at reedy Island; he supposes they are going to forage either up the Bay or Potomack.
[address leaf]
His Excellency
Patrick Henry Esqr.
Governor of
Virginia
Mar. 23d
Free
Banister.
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