Richard Henry Lee to Thomas Jefferson

I had the honor of writing to you a few days past by Mr. Booth, to which I beg leave to refer. This I expect will be delivered to you by Messrs. Loyeauté & Le Maire - the latter is realy unfortunately circumstanced as he states his case - the house with which he engaged it seems have so contrived as that all his private effects on board the ship he came in are detained until this State shall ratify his bargain with them for freight, and cost of the stores she brought over. this his situation renders it of consequence to him that his business with government should be quickly determined that he may return to Boston and secure his own effects - It would be very unlucky for us to loose the Stores now at Boston, and the risk will be considerable, unless government can prevail with Congress to order a Continental frigate to bring them round. I think that when the large proportion We pay out of the general expence is considered, it would not be very civil to deny this request if it shall be made.

We are now well provided with Artillery, and if we were as well possessed of the knowledge how to use it, we should be in a good posture of defence so far. Can no method be fallen upon to avail ourselves of the skill and zeal of Monsieur Loyeauté in this branch and for this country? I am persuaded it would make him happy to put our Artillery on a respectable footing, and I realy believe that we cannot find better ability or more industry to accomplish it. I should suppose that some method might be adopted to reconcile joint command and dispute about rank, by a select Corps for Monsr. Loyeauté being detached from the rest and referred to his sole direction, and under whose instruction we might hope to have soon, a well served respectable body of artillery. The worthy General Loyeauté, father of this gentleman, has been so kind and so active in procuring the best Cannon & Artillery Stores for us, that it would be, I think, a genteel and agreeable return to him, that his son should have the forming of a Corps to use them - It seems to come well authenticated that part of Count D’Esteings fleet with 5000 men has arrived at Charles Town and are in a fair way to Burgoinade our enemies in that quarter - Heaven grant it may prove so. I am, with very particular regard and esteem, dear Sir

your most affectionate and obedient Servant.

Richard Henry lee