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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Bee, Thomas (1725-1812) to unknown

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06633 Author/Creator: Bee, Thomas (1725-1812) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 February 1781 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 31 x 19.9 cm. Order a Copy

Bee writes as a Continental Congressman from South Carolina with news of the American victory in the state (most likely the Battle of Cowpens, 17 January 1781). Also informs that the troops are very low on supplies. Mentions that Benedict Arnold is in Virginia, that Hessians are at Charleston and that North Carolina has been unresponsive to appeals for aid. Also mentions British General Charles Cornwallis and gives an update on other troop movements and events.

[excerpt]
…this is a great Stroke, but still our affairs in that quarter are far from being in so good a Train as I wish - our Troop's are in want of Equipments of different sorts, - Leslie has joined Cornwallis, with his force about 2000 Men - Virginia by Arnold's Expedition, (who has taken post at Portsmouth by the last accounts) prevented from sending on either Supplies or Reinforcements as he ought - North Carolina seemingly asleep…Genl Green if Cornwallis advances must retire before him - Lee's corps has joined the Southern Army...Genl. Greene had detached Col Marion, (now a Militia Brigadier) with 300 Infantry & Lee's Horse to attack the British Post at George Town...I believe there are very few of the old Inhabitants that will not be good Whigs, & join heartily in driving them out, whenever they can have an opportunity = The whole Garrison of Chas. Town is about 500 Hessians, [2] and the Militia of the Town who do constant duty - between 300 & 400 sail of Vessels were in the harbour collecting everything of produce to carry off = a fine opportunity for a French Fleet & army to secure the whole, but alas when will they arrive...

Bee, Thomas, 1725-1812
Cornwallis, Charles Cornwallis, Marquis, 1738-1805
Arnold, Benedict, 1741-1801

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