Williamsburg 19th May 1769.
My Dear Brother,
Yours 22d. of Feby. last I have just now received, and I thank you, as well for the political intelligence it contains, as for the papers that accompanied it.
We were called here in General Assembly on the 8th of this month, and we were dissolved suddenly on the 17th following, for reasons which the inclosed papers will suggest to you. The dissolution was immediately followed by an Association against the importation of goods, which the Members universally signed, and will undoubtedly be assented to by the whole Colony.
The flame of liberty burns bright and clear, nor can its light and luster be impair’d by any Ministerial art or delusion. The Americans, from one end of the Continent to the other, appear too wise, too brave, and much too honest, to be either talked, terrified, or bribed from the assertion of just, equitable, and long possessed rights - It is clear beyond question, that nothing but just honest, and friendly measures, can secure to Great Britain, the obedience and love of America. But such measures will undoubtedly restore us to the former unity and respect that bound the Parent state and her Colonies together. I cannot by this opportunity get a well bound Almanac for Lord Shelburne, but the next conveyance shall bring one. It is the duty of every American to exert all their powers to serve that excellent Lord, whose just and generous principles have so often shone forth in vindication of the violated rights of America. His Lordship is adored in this Country, and surely the good and great must feel inward satisfaction at the applause of thousands, who feel and acknowledge their virtue and goodness.
I have been so coverd with affliction this past winter, that I have thought but little of any thing except my own unhappiness, and am therefore unprovided with birds: but I will take proper care the next season: Mr. Cox has promised to ship a small cask of his best Virginia wine to Dr. Fothergill in Capt. Johnstown, and I expect you will get a Rattle Snake by the same opportunity. Continue my dear brother to love me, and to believe that I am and ever shall be
your most affectionate brother.
R. H. Lee
Owned (1911) by the Marquis of Lansdowne, England. Printed in James Curtis Ballagh, The Letters of Richard Henry Lee, Volume 1, 1762 - 1778, pp. 34 - 35. Arthur Lee apparently forwarded this letter to Lord Shelburne when writing Shelburne on 3 July 1769.