Lee, Charles, 1731-1782 to Benjamin Rush
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04700 Author/Creator: Lee, Charles, 1731-1782 Place Written: Redwood Forest, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 April 1780 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.1 x 16.6 cm. Order a Copy
Written by disgraced General Charles Lee to Rush, the former Pennsylvania Continental Congressman, as a doctor in private practice. Is upset that Congress published his letter of apology. Claims that "Most people I have conversd with on the subject are of opinion that they have done al in triumph over me, considering the state of my apology as an instance of their having succeeded in breaking my spirit." Wants to know how his "few" friends and enemies in Philadelphia are interpreting the letter. If it is detrimental to his character he wants the enclosed letter to be published (letter not included here). Says he is "most heartily sick of this Country, and have thoughts of quitting it soon, if I can settle my affairs in such a manner as to set me at liberty." Says he thinks he can be safer under a monarch, and mentions the Emperor of Tuscany or Hungary, but say she will not raise a sword against America. Letter appears to have water damage has fading, although it is still legible.
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